16.08.2026 19:10
In Morocco, a mass crossing attempt towards Sebta, Spain's territory in North Africa, was thwarted by security forces. During operations in El-Fenidek and its surroundings, 109 irregular migrants and 2 Moroccan nationals were arrested. Authorities announced that security measures in the area have been increased and intelligence efforts continue against those calling for mass crossings on social media.
Moroccan authorities detained 109 irregular migrants and 2 Moroccan citizens in and around the city of Fnideq following a mass crossing attempt into Sebta (Ceuta), Spain's territory in North Africa.
HUNDREDS PREVENTED
In a written statement from the Fnideq Provincial authorities, it was stated that a mass crossing attempt by hundreds of irregular migrants wishing to enter Ceuta was prevented.
The statement noted that 109 migrants from African countries and 2 Moroccan citizens were detained during the mass crossing attempt.
The statement added that the intensive deployment of security forces in the region prevented mass crossings of irregular migrants around Sebta (Ceuta) and Melilla, and that the security situation was "normal and under control."
MESSAGE THAT "INTELLIGENCE WORK WILL CONTINUE"
The statement said that intelligence work will continue to identify those making digital calls encouraging mass migration.
It was also noted that field operations will continue to prevent irregular crossing attempts and to detain those involved in organizing these attempts.
The statement reported that security forces mobilized human resources and logistical capabilities to prevent mass crossing attempts, using unmanned aerial vehicles for remote surveillance, intervention vehicles, and water-cannon vehicles to prevent direct contact with migrants.
Morocco has increased its security presence in Fnideq in recent days, intensifying search operations and security measures in the city.
MEASURES TAKEN FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIA CALLS
It was stated that the crossing attempt on August 15 occurred after Morocco's Interior Ministry announced it had detected calls of unknown origin on social media for organizing mass and illegal crossings to Ceuta and Melilla.
Moroccan Interior Ministry Spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi, in a statement on August 12, reported that "posts and messages of unknown origin encouraging the organization of mass and illegal crossing attempts to Ceuta and Melilla on August 15" had been detected on some social media platforms in recent days.
The Sebta administration, in a statement a week earlier, reported that after more than 69,000 people returned to Morocco following the mass crossing attempt, there were still between 3,000 and 5,000 irregular migrants in the city.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On July 30, authorities intervened against more than 800 irregular migrants who tried to swim from the shores of Fnideq in Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Sebta in North Africa.
It was reported that all available resources of the Spanish government were mobilized regarding the incident.
The Spanish government decided to deploy armed forces to the region to ensure security following the increase in irregular migration attempts toward Sebta.
The number of irregular migrants who lost their lives trying to cross from Morocco to Spain was recently announced as 88.