Moroccan authorities intensified their security operation around Fnideq and Ceuta on Saturday, deploying a Royal Gendarmerie helicopter to support extensive ground sweeps as the number of would-be irregular migrants intercepted in the area climbed above 350.
A cautious calm prevailed around the Bab Sebta crossing and the hills overlooking the city Saturday afternoon, while Moroccan security forces continued operations targeting groups that had attempted to approach the area.
The Royal Gendarmerie helicopter provided aerial coverage for sweeps conducted by security forces around Fnideq and in forested areas near Belyounech, west of Ceuta.
Dozens of would-be migrants, most of them from sub-Saharan African countries, had dispersed through the area after failing to reach the border fence because of the heavy security deployment.
Face aux appels viraux incitant à un franchissement collectif vers Sebta, les autorités marocaines ont déployé un vaste dispositif sécuritaire à Fnideq et sur son littoral. (S.Kadry/Le360)
According to sources contacted by Le360, more than 350 would-be irregular migrants had been intercepted in Fnideq and surrounding areas by 4 p.m. Saturday.
Most were nationals of sub-Saharan African countries, while around 50 of those intercepted were Moroccan.
The latest figures show the scale of the continuing operation. At 1 p.m., authorities had reported 148 interceptions. By 2:45 p.m., that number had nearly doubled to 294, including 248 sub-Saharan Africans and 46 Moroccans. By 4 p.m., the total had surpassed 350.
National police, the Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces and local authorities are all participating in the operation to prevent collective irregular crossings.
Ground and air operation seals approaches to Ceuta
The aerial surveillance complements a security operation that has been building for several days in response to viral social media calls encouraging a coordinated mass crossing into Sebta on Aug. 15.
Authorities reinforced checkpoints on roads leading toward Fnideq, restricted access to the immediate vicinity of Bab Sebta to documented travelers and deployed security personnel across the hills, forests and coastline surrounding the city.
Ground operations have concentrated in particular on areas around Fnideq and Belyounech that could be used as gathering points or approaches toward the border.
Read also : Fnideq security sweep widens as would-be migrant interceptions rise to 294
Maritime surveillance has also been reinforced, with Royal Gendarmerie patrols and Royal Moroccan Navy vessels monitoring the coastline for attempts to reach Ceuta by sea or by swimming.
Despite the attempted movements Saturday, a security source said the deployment had prevented any collective crossing or mass breach into Ceuta. Border crossings and surrounding areas remained under control.
61 arrested over online mobilization
The operation has extended beyond the border area to the social media campaigns that preceded Saturday’s attempted crossings.
National security services have arrested 61 people on suspicion of promoting or encouraging collective irregular migration through social media platforms.
Authorities are continuing digital monitoring to identify others suspected of involvement in online mobilization or networks organizing irregular migration.
The combination of roadblocks, ground sweeps, maritime patrols and now aerial surveillance represents one of the most extensive security deployments around Fnideq in recent days.
By Saturday afternoon, the result was a rapidly rising number of interceptions but no mass crossing into Sebta, as security operations continued on the ground and from the air.
