A Moroccan diplomatic source has confirmed that the recent spike in irregular migration attempts towards the city of Ceuta is not linked to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit to Algeria. This clarification emphasizes that there is no connection between the developments at the border and the political or diplomatic context between Rabat and Madrid.
The source, in a statement reported by the Spanish news agency Europa Press, highlighted that Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in managing migration continues to function normally. It pointed out that the channels of coordination between the specialized institutions of both countries remain open and are actively working to address the challenges of irregular migration while ensuring the security of their shared borders.
Furthermore, the source indicated that the relationship between Morocco and Spain is based on a solid partnership and effective cooperation mechanisms that have proven their worth over the years. Notably, the security and operational coordination between the two parties has not been affected by recent events but continues based on an approach that prioritizes information exchange and rapid interventions to combat illegal crossing attempts.
In a similar vein, the Spanish agency reported comments from sources within the Madrid Ministry of the Interior commending the efforts made by Moroccan authorities. They affirmed that Rabat continues to address the migration issue with a spirit of responsibility and cooperation, implementing field measures aimed at reducing attempts to infiltrate Ceuta, particularly by swimming.
On Thursday, Ceuta experienced a new wave of irregular migrants, as additional groups managed to reach the shores of the city by swimming, reflecting an ongoing crisis that has entered its third day and increasing the security and logistical pressures faced by Spanish authorities.
According to the newspaper El Faro, which is published in Ceuta, new arrivals of migrants began coming in from the sea early Thursday morning, while rescue teams and the Civil Guard continued operations to intercept and rescue individuals along the coast, coordinating with the Royal Moroccan Navy.
With the increasing numbers of arrivals, Spanish authorities had to subject them to identification and registration procedures at the Tarajal crossing. However, the process was not completed for everyone, as many managed to leave the site collectively, dispersing through the streets and neighborhoods of the city, prompting extensive search operations involving various security forces.
These security operations extended to several neighborhoods and coastal points, as authorities recorded the arrival of migrants in various areas, including Tarajal, Almadraba, Resinto, and Juan XXIII. Some arrivals chose to head directly to police stations or temporary migrant accommodation centers, while others continued to hide within the city.
Moreover, Moroccan authorities have maintained strict security measures in the city of Fnideq and surrounding coastal areas, enhancing patrols and closing several routes leading to the sea, while intercepting attempts at irregular migration and preventing large numbers from reaching the coast as part of efforts to curb the flow of migrants towards Ceuta.
The Spanish newspaper noted that adverse weather conditions, particularly the thick fog covering the area, complicated monitoring and rescue operations, yet did not succeed in halting crossing attempts, which persisted through the night into the early hours of Thursday.
Ceuta's authorities are facing increasing challenges in managing the crisis, having previously announced that facilities for receiving migrants and minors have reached their maximum capacity. The city's government president, Juan Vivas, has called on Madrid to provide additional support to prevent further deterioration of the situation, warning against a repeat of the repercussions seen during the May 2021 crisis.
As reported by assahifa.com.
