Morocco: Stampede kills 18 migrants

Migrants attempt to cross the border from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Melilla, near Nador, March 4, 2022. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Earlier reports said that five migrants were killed and 76 migrants and 140 Moroccan security personnel were injured, but the death toll later rose to 18 after 13 migrants were seriously injured and died in hospital. The migrants tried to break through the fence separating Morocco and the enclave of Melilla, forcing Moroccan authorities to intervene, leading to the stampede.

According to Spanish authorities, 46 police officers were also injured in the incident. Most of the migrants who attempted to cross the border were stopped and forced to turn back, with only 130 migrants breaking through the fence and entering the Spanish territory.

Over the years, despite strict controls from guard posts, surveillance cameras and barbed wire walls, thousands of illegal immigrants have managed to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish territories of Melilla and Ceuta in northern Africa, by climbing over fences, swimming along the coast or hiding in cars.

This is the first time illegal migrants have attempted to cross the border from Morocco to Spain since the two countries restored diplomatic relations last March.

According to statistics in early 2022, the number of migrants to the two Spanish territories has tripled compared to the same period in 2021.