DISINFORMATION TRIGGERS MASS MIGRATION TO CEUTA

RABAT, AUGUST 3 /SRNA/ - The Moroccan government said that disinformation on social media and human traffickers were behind the mass crossing of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry pointed out that a misinterpretation of a Spanish court ruling had also led migrants to believe they could enter Europe without being immediately returned.

According to official data, between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco within just a few days, by Friday, July 31. Ceuta is Spanish territory with a population of around 85,000.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry said that the figure was approximately 40,000 people, adding that another 1,135 had headed towards Melilla. All those who reached Melilla were immediately returned, DPA reported.

Moroccan authorities put the death toll at 11, while Spanish authorities said that at least 72 people had died while attempting to cross the border into Ceuta.

"Moroccan authorities continue to coordinate with Spain to verify reports of additional deaths in Ceuta and establish the identities and nationalities of those involved," the ministry said.