Western intelligence sources suspect Morocco may have facilitated the recent mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amid diplomatic tensions with Spain, according to The Telegraph.
The report said intelligence officials are examining whether the sudden arrival of tens of thousands of migrants was intended to pressure the Spanish government over its foreign policy, particularly Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's pursuit of energy cooperation with Algeria, Morocco's regional rival.
According to The Telegraph, several migrants who crossed into Ceuta said they had been encouraged by Moroccan police officers to make the journey.
Others said they were motivated by widely shared social media posts claiming that a legal loophole allowed migrants reaching Spain by sea to avoid immediate deportation.
Security agencies are investigating whether the online campaign was part of a coordinated operation conducted by a state actor or a criminal network.
The allegations come after one of the largest migration surges ever recorded in Ceuta. On July 30, thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating it from Morocco.
Local authorities estimated that around 60,000 migrants reached Ceuta, while Spain's Interior Ministry put the figure at approximately 50,000.
According to Spanish news agency EFE, citing law enforcement sources, roughly 69,500 migrants had returned to Morocco over the following 30 hours. The figure may include migrants who entered Ceuta before the mass crossing as well as individuals who crossed the border more than once.
Authorities also reported that at least 67 people died while attempting to reach the enclave.
By Sabina Mammadli
Source: caliber.az
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