More than 300 sub-Saharan migrants attempted to cross the border into Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, resulting in the death of one migrant and the injury of six people, including three migrants.
Among the six injured are also three agents of the Spanish Civil Guard, according to the Spanish news agency EFE, noting that 50 migrants managed to cross the border but were arrested by the security forces.
The attempt to cross the Melilla border took place on August 20 at 6 a.m., the Civil Guard revealed to the same source.
The deceased migrant fell from the border fence from a height of four meters.
The most recent attempt is the first in terms of the number of migrants attempting to cross the Moroccan border to reach Melilla.
On April 6, 260 sub-Saharan migrants attempted to cross the border, including 50 who managed to enter Spain.
A similar attempt took place on July 19, 2019, when 200 migrants attempted to cross the border barrier between Morocco and Melilla, including 50 who managed to cross the Temporary Residence Center for Immigrants (CETI).
Recurring migration attempts have led the Spanish government to advance cooperation with Moroccan authorities to control irregular migration.
On March 10, Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya underlined the importance of collaboration and a “comprehensive strategy” to reduce the number of irregular migrants entering Europe via Spain, during the Council of Arab Ambassadors to Madrid.
«For Spain, the relationship with the southern shore of the Mediterranean is of paramount importance», Declared the Minister. ” Promoting integration and strengthening economic ties, including investments and trade with the Arab world Are vital for Spain, she added.
A strong aspect of the Rabat-Madrid collaboration is the fight against undocumented migration, as well as terrorism.
Spain’s El Pais newspaper wrote in October that Morocco had helped Spain cut the number of irregular migrants by more than half in January-October 2019, compared to the same period the year before.
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