MOROCCAN authorities said they made more than 100 arrests on Saturday after a fresh wave of migrants attempted to reach Spanish territory, just two weeks after tens of thousands of migrants dramatically poured into Ceuta.
Police detained 111 people on Saturday, according to Moroccan security personnel, after a large group prepared to cross into the tiny north African enclave from Fnideq, a town located about 3km from the border.
Officers clad in riot gear reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered around the city, amid fears of another catastrophic breach of border security.
According to news agency Reuters, the detainees included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens.
The latest attempt comes a fortnight after the largest influx of irregular arrivals in European Union history on July 30 and 31, when around 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.
The crisis led to nearly 100 deaths and a diplomatic row between Spain and Italy, after prime minister Giorgia Melioni opted to suspend the passport-free Schengen border agreement amid fears the new arrivals could travel across Europe.
The vast majority of those who entered last month have since returned, with security significantly bolstered in the border zone.
But tensions were high over the weekend after rumours swirled on social media of another mass influx.
In response, Madrid cancelled leave for military personnel in the area until further notice, covering logistics, engineering, artillery, cavalry and medical units.
Extra Guardia Civil officers and Policia Nacional intervention units were drafted in, alongside naval frigates, drones, divers and a helicopter.
READ MORE: Inside Ceuta: thousands of migrant children on the pavement – and thousands more in the hills
That added to extra security already implemented in the aftermath of last month’s crossing, including extra security officers to patrol the area, a new metal fence and a floating barrier designed to deter those attempting to cross by sea.
Morocco also stepped up its own security arrangements around the border zone, despite accusations that Rabat sought to exploit the July crossing for political gain.
According to Reuters, Morocco deployed police vans with wire shield and road checkpoints, with similar measures reportedly deployed near Melilla, the other pocket of Spanish territory on the north African coast.
Authorities prevented several groups from boarding trains and buses to northern Morocco in cities including Casablanca, Kentira and Fez.
Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.
