Since January, Moroccan authorities have intercepted 45,015 individuals attempting to illegally migrate to Europe and dismantled 177 human trafficking networks, according to state news agency MAP.
The report, based on data from the interior ministry, did not provide comparisons with the same period in 2023, and no comments were offered by officials when contacted by Reuters.
In 2022, Morocco prevented 75,184 people from making illegal crossings to Europe, a 6% increase from the prior year. Additionally, the Moroccan navy has rescued 10,859 migrants at sea so far in 2024, the report added.
Facing rising migratory pressure in 2024, partly due to instability in the Sahel and weak border control, Morocco remains a key departure point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea or overland through Spanish territories.
Cooperation between Morocco and Spain on illegal migration has improved since they resolved a diplomatic dispute in 2022.
Spanish police reported that last month, hundreds of migrants used heavy mist as cover to swim to Ceuta.
With increased border surveillance in northern Morocco, more migrants are opting for the longer and more dangerous Atlantic journey to the Canary Islands.
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