Moroccan security forces prevented hundreds of migrants from illegally entering the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, Spanish media reported Saturday, citing sources in Moroccan security agencies [1]. The operation occurred near the Moroccan border town of Fnidek, according to the reports, with forces dispersing the migrants in a mountainous area southwest of Ceuta [1].
The reported operation follows a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta in late July, an event that Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said brought approximately 72,000 people into the Spanish territory [2]. Authorities in Ceuta said Tuesday that approximately 10,000 migrants remain in the city, according to statements reported by Spanish media [1].
Reported Details of the Operation
The migrants were reportedly hiding on the outskirts of Fnidek before being dispersed, according to sources quoted by Spanish media. The reports said Moroccan forces disbanded the group in the mountainous area southwest of Ceuta [1]. No injuries or arrests were reported in the initial accounts.
Moroccan authorities have not issued an official statement about the operation as of this report, and Spanish officials had not commented publicly. The reports did not specify how many migrants were involved in the attempt or provide additional details about the timing of the operation.
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