Spanish news agency EFE reported today that Moroccan security services have arrested 70 people for their alleged involvement in violent incidents that took place after the irregular crossings to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Quoting sources close to the investigation, EFE said an investigation is ongoing to clarify circumstances related to attempted homicide, arson, and damage to public and private property.
This comes in response to clashes documented in videos in the city of Fnideq, northern Morocco. The city, also known as Castillejos, witnessed clashes amid irregular crossings that involved tens of thousands of people who entered or attempted to reach the enclave in recent days.
Reports said over 60,000 crossed to Ceuta in just one day. However, Spanish authorities said that more than 50,000 people returned home, while others flocked back to Morocco voluntarily.
Many videos documented interviews in which Moroccans said they are relieved to go back to Morocco.
“Morocco is way better. A bottle of water is €1 and a cigarette is €2,” some of them told local press upon their return.
Reports said at least 57 people were killed during the crossing. The number might change as the tally changes with developments on the scene.
EFE said the agreement Morocco and Spain reached as part of their emergency response to the situation led to the return of 53,000 of the people that crossed to Ceuta.
Morocco and Spain are intensifying efforts to tackle the situation. Both are deploying troops and border security to mitigate the crisis that sparked division among European states.
While some offered to help Spain tackle the situation, others took or vowed to take measures to suspend the EU Schengen visa with Spain.
