Moroccan authorities have intercepted dozens of migrants seeking to cross into the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta. The migrants were blocked while trying to make their way to the border on the outskirts of the town of Fnideq, about 3km from the border.
Ceuta Border Tensions Escalate
Moroccan police, including some in riot gear, reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered on nearby hills. The security sources said 111 people had been detained in or around Fnideq, the majority of whom were from sub-Saharan Africa.
Morocco's government had warned that it would prosecute organisers and participants of a mass crossing attempt. The warning came after Moroccan officials said they were monitoring "the circulation of social media posts and messages of unknown origin" calling for a mass crossing on Saturday.
Spain Deploys Security Forces
Madrid deployed more than 1,500 security officers to patrol the area. Spain has also installed a metal fence and a floating barrier following last month's influx. The measures were taken in response to the crisis that had sparked tensions between EU nations.
Italy suspended the 29-member Schengen arrangement of free movement with Spain and introduced border checks on arrivals from Spain. Italy was backed by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain's membership to be temporarily suspended. Spain reacted angrily, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noting Ceuta was not part of the Schengen area.
Italian Foreign Minister Weighs In
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his country had been afraid of a "risk of a new wave of arrivals in Ceuta." He emphasized that Italy was "simply carefully controlling arrivals" and not waging a "battle" against Spain. Instead, he said Spain should worry about Morocco, where the problems were coming from.
The crisis had calmed since breaking out in late July, but it has sparked tensions between EU nations. The tensions between Spain and Italy are expected to continue, with Spain urging Italy to drop its border controls. The situation remains complex, with the possibility of a new influx of migrants still a concern.
Source: Joy Online
