Massive attempt by sub-Saharans to cross the border between Morocco and Ceuta

One monthafter a large-scale entry attempt by sub-Saharan immigrants ended in tragedy in Ceuta, early yesterday morning between 1,000 and 1,200 people launched a massive assault on the frontier separating the Spanish enclave from Morocco.

This latest attempt was the largest of its kind since desperate would-be immigrants first started to use the tactic of rushing the border fences in large numbers.

Until this attempt, the largest group was around 500 people. The central government delegation in Ceuta said that this assault had involved about 90 per cent of the total number of immigrants that are camped out in the nearby mountains, where some remain for months or even years waiting for their chance to reach European soil. On this occasion the Guardia Civil was not required, with Moroccan security forces successfully driving back the immigrants without reported incidents.

Other attempts were also launched, including 50 people who attempted the route around Tarajal beach and another 400 who tried the passageway at the border used by porters and traders. The security forces in Ceuta said they had been aware of the coming attempt because of the huge concentration of people building up in the mountains around the enclave.

According to the Guardia Civil, none of the sub-Saharans succeeded in reaching Spain soil on this occasion.