Moroccan security forces patrolled the coastline near Spain’s North African enclave of Melilla on Friday, trying to stop further crossings by land and sea after a sharp rise in attempts from neighbouring Morocco.
Footage shows officers moving along the shore and heading out in boats to surround groups in the water. Other security personnel chase and detain people who reach land.
Spanish authorities said 130 people had entered Melilla during attempts overnight, including 84 minors. Sixty people received medical treatment, among them three Spanish security officers.
The Beni Enzar border post remained closed as Spanish police, the Civil Guard and military personnel reinforced security around the enclave. Authorities said the pressure on Melilla was far smaller than the unprecedented influx into Ceuta.
Spain’s government said around 50,000 people had crossed from Morocco into Ceuta since Thursday, while the regional authorities estimated as many as 60,000. Many entered on foot or swam around coastal border barriers.
The death toll from the crossings rose to at least 67 on Saturday. Some victims drowned, while others were crushed near the border infrastructure. More than 48,000 people had returned to Morocco within 48 hours.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta on Friday, describing the crossings as a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty. He said Madrid was working with Morocco to accelerate returns and restore control of the border.
The crisis also triggered political tensions across Europe. Italy temporarily introduced checks on some travellers arriving from Spain, prompting Madrid to summon the Italian ambassador, while France reinforced controls along its Spanish border.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the scenes in Ceuta ‘unacceptable’ and demanded an end to dangerous crossings, action against smuggling networks and swift returns under European Union rules.
Source: Viory
