Moroccan authorities have arrested 800 in a new operation targeting irregular migration in the country’s northern forests, Moroccan media reported, as Rabat continues efforts to curb repeated attempts to cross into Europe.
The latest operations focused on forested areas and coastal zones between Tangier and the prefecture of M’diq-Fnideq, near the enclave of Ceuta, a frequent target for irregular crossings.
The operation comes as Spain prepares to offer regular status to 500,000 migrants on its soil.
Authorities subjected the detainees to administrative procedures and began relocating them to other parts of the country, notably to southeastern provinces such as Zagora and Tinghir, in a bid to prevent their rapid return to northern departure points, Hespress said.
Security operations are expected to continue as authorities anticipate new arrivals of migrants seeking to make further crossing attempts, despite reinforced surveillance along northern coastlines and around border fences near Ceuta.
In 2025, Moroccan authorities thwarted 73,640 irregular migration attempts, a 6.4% decline from the previous year, according to the Interior Ministry. Over the same period, authorities dismantled more than 300 migrant‑smuggling networks, highlighting the scale and persistence of organized trafficking activity.
Morocco also reported rescuing more than 13,500 migrants at sea in 2025 and facilitating the voluntary return of over 4,300 migrants to their countries of origin, moves authorities describe as part of a “human‑centred” migration policy that balances enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
