Media: Morocco expels around 60,000 potential migrants near Ceuta

Moroccan authorities have detained and expelled around 60,000 people from areas surrounding the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, the Hespress news portal reported.

Law-enforcement officials said the figure does not include people who crossed the border illegally during the migration crisis in July and August and later either returned voluntarily or were sent back under coordination arrangements with Spain.

Most of those detained had been making their way towards Ceuta after videos depicting mass attempts to cross the border were circulated on social media, according to the authorities.

People from sub-Saharan African countries accounted for roughly 20% of those expelled. They had arrived in the region in groups and were subsequently detained in northern Morocco.

Moroccan authorities said efforts to curb irregular migration were continuing with increased intensity. Security forces have been detaining young people and minors suspected of attempting to cross the border illegally.

Authorities also expect the end of the summer holiday period and the start of the new school year to reduce the number of migrants temporarily staying in communities near the border, particularly in the city of Fnideq.

Security officials said the anticipated decline in the number of people in the area would make it easier for authorities to monitor the border region and detain those suspected of attempting to cross illegally.

By Tamilla Hasanova