Coastal combing operations and maritime patrols conducted by the Royal Navy coastguard in the kingdom’s southern waters on Friday led to thwarting three irregular migration attempts, and intercepting a total of 269 would-be migrants seeking to reach the Canary Islands, according to a statement from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) General Staff.
The first operation intercepted 147 aspiring migrants, including 103 sub-Saharans and 44 Moroccans.
The other two operations, conducted 37 km west of Tan-Tan and 122 km southwest of Dakhla, respectively, resulted in the prevention of 122 potential migrants from reaching their destination, including 84 sub-Saharan individuals and 38 Moroccans.
The patrols provided critical assistance to those in need, ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being before they were handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for routine procedures.
Morocco’s coastguard and army troops routinely intercept hundreds of illegal immigrants en route to European destinations reachable from the kingdom’s shores.