According to a report by the Associated Press on August 16, in order to prevent the immigration crisis from escalating further, Moroccan security forces have carried out special control operations along the border near the Spanish territory of Hegda. On the 15th, security forces arrested nearly 300 illegal immigrants who tried to cross the border into Hegda, and also detained more than 60 Moroccans who assisted in illegal immigration activities.
To combat illegal cross-border activities, Morocco has deployed security forces in border areas. It employs drones for aerial surveillance, mobile police patrols, deployment of water cannon vehicles, and tear gas to disperse individuals. Additionally, it has restricted traffic towards the border areas. A senior Moroccan diplomatic official stated that in the region where Morocco borders Houda, more than 20,000 security personnel are deployed daily.
On the 15th local time, 294 immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa were arrested while trying to enter Hudha. Moroccan security forces also arrested 61 Moroccans, accusing them of being involved in inciting and assisting illegal immigration activities.
Immigrants attempting to cross into Spain’s territory of Huda from Morocco via a IC photo
Huda Autonomous Municipality is located on the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar. It has been under Spanish rule since 1580. According to Reuters, Huda and Melilla, Spanish enclaves along the North African Mediterranean coast, are the only land borders between the EU and Africa. Therefore, these two enclaves often see an influx of immigrants heading towards Europe.
At the end of July, false information about Spain's border policy spread on social media. Approximately 80,000 people attempted to swim across the border from Morocco to Ceuta, leading to the most serious border migration crisis in Spain in recent years. The Associated Press reported that more than 90 people died during the smuggling attempt.
Spanish Interior Minister Marasca has stated clearly that, except for a very small number of individuals in extremely precarious situations, all illegal immigrants will not be allowed to reside or enter Spanish territory. Those without legal qualifications will be deported to Morocco.
