Morocco captures 114 illegal migrants before they reach Canary Islands

A total of 114 illegal migrants were intercepted Thursday off coast of the Southern Moroccan province of Laayoune while they were attempting to reach the Canary Islands.

The migrants, who were using two inflatable boats, were intercepted 28 km north-west of the Saharan port of Laayoune.

They were all brought back safe and sound, said Moroccan authorities which have tightened lately control operations to thwart illegal migration in the region of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and made several arrests.

These operations are part of the sustained efforts engaged by the various security services and local authorities in their tireless fight against illegal migration networks and human trafficking.

Thousands of Sub-Saharan Africans continue to risk their lives in their attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

Last year, the Moroccan Navy intercepted nearly 60,000 migrants during their dangerous journey.