In a recent operation, the Moroccan army successfully apprehended more than 1,100 migrants attempting to reach Spain, specifically targeting the Canary Islands and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
The coordinated efforts of border control units, including the army, gendarme units, navy, and security forces, effectively thwarted illegal immigration operations over several days.
Facing a surge in irregular migration, the General Command of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces disclosed that 1,110 individuals were detained in various operations.
The migrants, hailing from diverse Arab countries, with a predominant presence from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Yemen, had their ambitions halted.
The Moroccan navy played a crucial role in intercepting two boats carrying more than 150 migrants near Dakhla in Western Sahara.
These vessels were bound for the Canary Islands, illustrating the complexity of migration routes.
The Moroccan army revealed that certain migrants were also en route to Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories situated on the northern Moroccan coast.
This development raises concerns about the pressure on these regions due to increased migration attempts.
Located off the north-western coast of Africa, the Canary Islands have witnessed a significant rise in boat arrivals carrying irregular migrants since the start of October.
According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, over 38,000 migrants from Africa have reached the islands in the current year.
Caminando Fronteras, an organization monitoring migration, reported a grim toll. In the first half of 2023, at least 778 migrants lost their lives attempting the perilous journey from West Africa across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands.
This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and humane approach to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
