Moroccan Security Forces Thwart Migrant Attempt to Cross Melilla Border Fence

The Moroccan Association of Human Rights (Nador section) told the Spanish news agency EFE that this wave of arrests took place after violent clashes between these migrants who were camping in this forest and the security forces.

The authorities fear that up to 5,000 migrants may be mobilized in the event of a new attack. And in this case, neither tear gas, batons, nor distance will persuade them to give up what has driven them to leave their war-torn countries: to reach Europe no matter the cost.

Several sources also claimed that hundreds of migrants, mostly Sudanese and Chadians, have headed to the towns near Melilla to try to enter. The Moroccan authorities do not hesitate to multiply raids in the camps to disperse the migrants. The goal is to prevent these migrants who, according to human rights associations, are fleeing their countries due to war and poverty to end up in Morocco, from crossing into Europe.

Between Saturday and Sunday, 200 other migrants were arrested in the province of Nador, and in neighboring towns such as Berkane and Oujda. They are generally transferred to the south of the country before they return again to the north.