Morocco breaks into Melilla's enlave in North Africa on Friday after a two-hour fierce skirmish between immigrants and border guards Said that 18 migrants had died. Of an injury.
Approximately 2,000 migrants attacked a high fence blocking the enlave. According to Moroccan and Spanish officials, more than 100 migrants were able to cross from Morocco to Melilla, which led to clashes with security forces.
Morocco's Interior Ministry initially said five migrants were killed in a border attack, some fell from fences around Melilla, others were beaten, and 76 migrants were injured. Stated. Later, he said 13 more people had died.
He added that about 140 members of Moroccan security forces were also injured, five were seriously injured, but none died.
Over the last decade, Melilla and Ceuta, the second Spanish outposts also on the north coast of Africa, have become attractive to most sub-Saharan migrants seeking to enter Europe. I did.
Two hours later, more than 500 immigrants jumped into Melilla. After cutting through the fencing with a bolt cutter, on the roof of the border crossing, a representative of the Madrid government said in a statement.
Most were forcibly returned, but added that about 130 men managed to reach the excursion and were being processed at the reception center for immigrants.
A video posted on social media shows a large group of young Africans walking on roads around the border celebrating their entry into Melilla, firing what looks like tear gas by authorities. Shown.
Spanish officials said the invasion of the border injured 57 migrants and 49 Spanish police.
'Trafficking Mafia'
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been an officer on both sides of the border for fighting a "systematic and violent attack." In honor of him, he suggested that it was organized by the "Trafficking Mafia".
He emphasized the improvement of the relationship between Madrid and Rabat. In March, Spain recognized Morocco's position in Western Sahara, where North African countries claim to be their own, but Algeria-backed independence movements are demanding the establishment of an autonomous state.
"I would like to thank the extraordinary cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco for showing the need to build the best relationships," he said.
Moroccan human rights group AMDH Nador said there was an invasion the day after migrants clashed with Moroccan guards in an attempt to clean up a camp in the woods near Melilla.
Watchdog head Omar Naji tells Reuters that the clash is part of a "fierce crackdown" on immigrants as Spanish and Moroccan troops resume joint patrols and strengthen security measures around the excursion. Said it was.
The invasion was the first significant since Spain adopted a more pro-Rabat position against Western Sahara.
In the weeks of 2022 prior to that shift, migrants' entry into the two excursions more than tripled compared to the same period in 2021.
In mid-2021, as many as 8,000 people swam in Ceuta and climbed the fence for two days, followed by bilateral diplomatic spats and a security net on the Moroccan side of the border. I took advantage of the fact that it was clearly lifted.
