New attempts at irregular entry of Moroccan migrants into Melilla keep security forces on alert

The Government Delegation has reported that, throughout the afternoon, several groups of Moroccan migrants tried to approach different points of the border perimeter and the Melilla border, although all attempts were aborted by the Moroccan security forces before they could reach the fence or the enabled crossings.

According to the institution, the special security device remains fully activated and prepared to respond to the different scenarios that may occur, adapting the operational response depending on the evolution of the situation and maintaining permanent communication and close coordination with the Moroccan authorities.

The Government delegate, Sabrina Moh, has remained in the border area since early afternoon, continuously monitoring the evolution of events and the actions of the deployed operation.

Likewise, he has publicly reiterated his gratitude to the professionals of the State Security Forces and Corps and the Moroccan security forces for the collaboration they are providing during this situation.

The opening of the border crossing, scheduled for this Friday afternoon with the aim of alleviating the situation of the thousands of people blocked since 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, had to be suspended again when the authorities on both sides were preparing to restore traffic.

Eye sources indicated that, at that time, new incidents involving minors who were in the vicinity of the border perimeter in Moroccan territory were recorded.

From approximately 7:00 p.m., shots from riot gear were heard on both sides of the border. In addition, according to witnesses, Moroccan forces used tear gas to disperse the concentrated groups, while, on the Spanish side, the Police once again cut the access road to Beni Enzar and diverted traffic as a preventive measure.

The closure mainly affects travelers from Operation Crossing the Strait, Moroccan citizens residing in different European countries who were heading to Morocco to spend the summer holidays with their families.

REINFORCEMENT OF HUMANITARIAN CARE

Given the extension of the border closure, the Autonomous City of Melilla has intensified this Friday the humanitarian assistance device for affected travelers.

Among the measures adopted is the transfer, by means of between four and five COA Cooperative buses, of families with minors and elderly people to the Lázaro Fernández pavilion, where the Spanish Red Cross has provided beds so that they can spend the night in appropriate conditions.

The Department of Social Policies has also acquired large fans to alleviate the high temperatures and, from the San Francisco center, the first 900 bags with sandwiches, water and juices have been prepared to distribute them among those affected.

The device also includes the installation of more than 500 chairs, some 200 beach hammocks, shaded areas, rest mats, water points and electricity supply, as well as the continued distribution of food and the mobilization of 30 environmental informants to provide support to travelers.

Likewise, the number of portable toilets available has been expanded and the company Valoriza has installed eleven water taps in the Beni Enzar area to facilitate supply while the border remains closed.

The situation continues to be permanently monitored by the Spanish and Moroccan authorities, who maintain the coordination of their security devices while waiting for conditions to allow the border crossing to be reopened with guarantees.