In brief
Moroccan authorities halted more than 100 people trying to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, detaining 111 migrants in and around Fnideq. The move follows a record sea influx earlier this week, during which 78,000 arrivals were reported, with 100 deaths. Both Spain and Morocco have up‑graded border security amid social‑media speculations of further mass crossings. On the ground, Moroccan police, in riot gear, used tear gas to disperse crowds. The government warned that organisers of such attempts would face prosecution. European tensions have risen, with Italy suspending its Schengen arrangement with Spain and the Czech Republic calling for a review of Spain’s EU membership, though Spain stresses Ceuta remains outside Schengen.
Moroccan authorities intercepted more than 100 people trying to cross into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the outskirts of Fnidej. The move came after a record sea influx earlier this week, when around 78,000 migrants arrived in the enclave, with local officials reporting at least 100 deaths.
In response to the surge, Spain and Morocco reinforced shore‑line security and broached the possibility of another mass crossing after social‑media posts urged the attempt. Moroccan police surrounded the hills near Fnidej, deploying riot gear and tear gas to disperse the crowds, and detained 111 individuals – the majority of whom came from sub‑Saharan Africa.
Government officials in Rabat warned that organisers or participants in a coordinated migration effort would face prosecution. The heightened security included metal fencing and a floating barrier, while Spanish authorities dispatched over 1,500 officers to patrol the area.
The crisis has strained relations between EU members. Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, while the Czech Republic called for Spain’s temporary suspension from the EU bloc – though Madrid maintains that Ceuta remains outside the Schengen zone.
