Morocco-Algeria Border Briefly Opens to Repatriate Migrant Bodies

8 illegal immigrants, including 2 Moroccans, were rescued by Algerian units after an inflatable boat capsized off the west coast of Oran. The bodies of 3 other Moroccans were recovered, while 5 others are still missing.

A Moroccan official said: "The Algerian authorities have authorized the transfer of the victims’ remains, after a week of administrative procedures and negotiations with the Moroccan Consulate in Oran, regarding the verification of identities."

He added: "An agreement was reached between the two parties to have the remains of the 3 migrants cross the land border, which has been closed to traffic since 1994." The Lakome website announces that the "Zouj bghal" crossing was temporarily opened for the transfer of the victims’ remains across the border.