Key facts
- Moroccan police arrested 111 individuals attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
- The majority of those detained were migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
- Heightened security measures were in place on both the Moroccan and Spanish sides of the border.
- The incident follows a previous mass crossing attempt that resulted in deaths and strained EU relations.
- Spain has deployed additional security personnel and a maritime barrier to patrol the area.
Moroccan authorities intercepted 111 individuals attempting to cross into the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta on Saturday, according to security sources. The majority of those detained were migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, with two Moroccan citizens also arrested near Fnideq, a town approximately 3km from the border. Moroccan police reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered on nearby hills. This incident follows a previous mass crossing attempt two weeks prior, which resulted in deaths and strained relations between EU nations. Spain has significantly reinforced security in Ceuta, deploying over 1,500 security officers, a maritime barrier, and other measures. Authorities had been monitoring social media posts inciting mass crossings and warned of prosecution for organizers and participants.