11 Dead and Dozens Under Investigation: Morocco Blames Misinformation for Migration Tragedy

Authorities in Morocco announced that 11 deaths have been officially confirmed so far during the latest wave of migration to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Dozens of additional cases are currently under investigation.

Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson, Rachid al-Khalifi, stated that in one instance a person fell from a rocky area near Ceuta, while in the other ten cases, individuals drowned.

According to the announcement, the water channel is relatively narrow, measuring less than 70 meters across, with depths in some areas not exceeding two meters. This led many to mistakenly believe that crossing the border was easy, causing them to underestimate the risks and attempt to swim across.

Regarding reports of additional deaths in the Ceuta area, the Interior Ministry stated that Moroccan authorities are continuing to verify information through cooperation channels with their Spanish counterparts. This announcement follows reports from Spanish media regarding the discovery of 67 bodies, with concerns that more may remain at sea.

Morocco added that the deaths were driven by several factors, primarily the malicious use of the internet, the spread of misleading information, and the activities of human trafficking gangs. According to the ministry, approximately 40,000 people were identified on their way to Ceuta and another 1,135 on their way to Melilla. Authorities also confirmed that those who managed to reach Melilla were returned.

Morocco's Interior Ministry stated that Spain's decision to limit the possibility of immediate return for illegal migrants contributed to the belief that the border could be crossed without consequence. It was further noted that this led to an increase in swimming attempts, as migrants believed that crossing by water would make it legally more difficult for them to be returned to Morocco.