MOROCCAN AUTHORITIES BUILDING BARRIER NEAR CEUTA

RABAT, AUGUST 11 /SRNA/ – Moroccan authorities have begun building a four-metre-high barrier in front of the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta to prevent a repeat of a mass incursion into the enclave, the Maghrib Times newspaper reported.

The newspaper said that the fence or barrier is being built on the outskirts of the city of Fnideq, just a few kilometres from Ceuta, with the aim of preventing illegal migrants from approaching the Bab Sebta border crossing leading into Ceuta.

Unidentified police sources in the region told the newspaper that the intention is to prevent any potential gatherings in Fnideq and give security personnel more time to respond before illegal migrants reach the border.

The newspaper noted that authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel, auxiliary forces and military units in Fnideq and around the outskirts of Ceuta.

Special security measures are being implemented in the Ceuta area after anonymous reports appeared on social media alleging preparations for a new mass attempt to cross the border and enter the Spanish enclave. The migrant incursion is reportedly scheduled for August 15.