Moroccan authorities intercepted a large group of would-be migrants on Wednesday night attempting to reach the occupied city of Ceuta.
A relatively small number of migrants were successful in reaching the shores, including 12 Algerian adults and four minors.
A group of over 350 migrants from various nationalities, including Algerians, Moroccans, and Pakistanis, left Morocco’s Tangier on a journey to reach their dream destination of entering Europe, from Ceuta.
Given its geographical location, the city has been long facing a significant influx of migrants, with frequent attempts to enter the city by sea, according to Spanish media.
Spanish authorities, including the Civil Guard and maritime services, conducted a sustained operation throughout the night in the vicinity of Tarajal, intending to prevent illegal entries.
The “Temporary Immigrant Stay Center” in Ceuta is currently operating at nearly twice its maximum capacity, housing 750 individuals, including around 400 unaccompanied minors.
In August, 163 minors arrived in Ceuta, increasing the total year-to-date to an estimated 600.
The city’s Mayor and President, Juan Jesús Vivas, described the situation as a “genuine human tragedy” and requested a new contingency plan from the central government.