Hundreds attempt to storm Spanish enclaves as tensions escalate along Moroccan frontiers.
Hundreds of people engaged in violent confrontations during the early hours of Friday at the border perimeters of Ceuta and Melilla as they attempted to cross from Morocco into the two Spanish autonomous cities.
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In Castillejos, the Moroccan town adjacent to Ceuta, groups of people tried to approach and force the border perimeter while throwing stones at security forces deployed in the area, according to EFE news agency. Moroccan officers initially managed to push the groups back into Moroccan territory. However, they soon returned with larger numbers and resumed stone-throwing at the agents. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Following the clashes, agencies confirmed the presence of at least six burned vehicles, along with numerous stones scattered across the main road leading to the Ceuta border. The arrival of people near the crossing continued throughout the night, with groups arriving from various parts of Morocco. On roads and avenues close to the border perimeter, numerous people could be seen sleeping on the streets or on grassy areas after spending hours in the vicinity of the frontier.
Several individuals who returned to Castillejos after unsuccessfully attempting to reach Ceuta by swimming told EFE that they had witnessed people drowning during the sea crossings. This has not been independently verified, and there is currently no official casualty count regarding possible deaths, injuries or material damage resulting from these incidents.
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Tensions also escalated near the Beni Nsar border crossing in Nador, adjacent to Melilla. Violent clashes broke out between Moroccan security forces and hundreds of young people, including many minors, who tried to enter the Spanish city both through the border fence and via the port. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) reported a large security deployment in the area and noted that the pursuit of those attempting to approach the border eventually escalated into clashes. According to the organisation, several members of the Moroccan auxiliary forces and some young people were injured, while a large number of individuals were arrested. The AMDH also stated that two vehicles belonging to local authorities and another used to transport detainees were set on fire during the disturbances. The association further claimed that several dozen young people ultimately managed to enter Melilla.
