Morocco intercepts over 200 migrants near Ceuta on Eid al-Adha eve

Just over 200 migrants were intercepted in the two days leading up to Eid al-Adha in Morocco on suspicion of attempting to enter Ceuta, according to Moroccan media citing local authorities.

The migrants included Moroccan nationals, Algerians, and sub-Saharan Africans. Authorities apprehended them in the forested border zone and neighboring areas.

The sources report that the migrants planned to cross into Ceuta via the double border fence, by swimming across the breakwaters, or using fishing boats. Some appeared before a judge, who ordered their detention for suspected involvement in organizing irregular migration and possessing bladed weapons.