Morocco intercepts at least 294 migrants headed for Spain's Ceuta

At least 294 migrants, including 248 from sub-Saharan Africa and 46 Moroccan nationals, were intercepted on Saturday during operations to prevent a mass crossing, Spanish news agency EFE reported, citing Moroccan security sources.

Moroccan police arrested at least 111 people as they tried to enter Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, including 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan citizens, a source in Morocco's Interior Ministry told Reuters.

Hundreds of migrants attempted to reach the border with Ceuta, clashing with Moroccan security forces in a mountainous area near Fnideq, about three kilometers from the border crossing.

The attempted crossing came two weeks after more than 72,000 migrants surged into Ceuta, sparking tensions within the European Union and fueling anti-immigration rhetoric among far-right parties worldwide.

At least 96 people died in the attempt to reach European soil.

Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse groups ​of migrants gathered on hills about 3 kilometers from the border.

Reuters later saw hundreds of police officers, some in riot gear and others in plain clothes, returning from the hills outside Fnideq.

In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers guarded supermarkets while police heavily patrolled the enclave's main streets.

The city was calmer than in the days after the deadly crossing attempt ​on July 30.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Thursday that about 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta.

Reuters saw hundreds sheltering from scorching heat under makeshift bamboo shelters on the ​urban beach of El Trampolin.

Grande-Marlaska said migrants who entered irregularly would not be allowed to stay in the enclave, travel to mainland Spain or obtain legal status, except in rare cases involving ‌extreme vulnerability.

He said those without a right to remain would be returned to Morocco. (With input from agencies)