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Morocco's Royal Navy Intercepts 118 Migrants Attempting Perilous Crossing to Europe

Morocco's Royal Navy Intercepts 118 Migrants Attempting Perilous Crossing to Europe
Monday 15 April 2024 - 09:23
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Morocco's Royal Navy, in a display of steadfast dedication to both border security and humanitarian assistance, has once again underscored its vigilance and empathy. The most recent incident involved the interception of two vessels off the coast of Tarfaya, carrying a total of 118 individuals attempting to reach the Canary Islands.

The interception occurred southwest of Tarfaya, with the intercepted vessels ferrying a group of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, including nine women and three minors. Following their rescue, these individuals received necessary care onboard before being transferred to the Royal Gendarmerie for standard administrative procedures.

This recent action forms a crucial part of Morocco's broader strategy to tackle the ongoing migration crisis in the region. Recent data from the country's Ministry of Interior reveals that over the past five years, Morocco has thwarted a staggering 366,000 irregular migration attempts to cross over to Europe.

In addition to its interception efforts, Morocco has placed significant emphasis on humanitarian aid initiatives, having rescued over 90,000 irregular migrants, with a particular focus on maritime rescues. In 2022 alone, the Royal Moroccan Navy rescued over 12,000 migrants from perilous conditions at sea.

Morocco's comprehensive approach extends beyond mere rescue operations to include the dismantling of criminal networks involved in irregular migration. In 2022, the national police department dismantled 290 such networks, with an additional 117 dismantled by May 2023, totaling 1,500 dismantled networks over the past five years.

These concerted efforts have yielded tangible results, with estimates indicating a 36% year-on-year reduction in the flow of illegal migrants into Europe by the end of April 2023.

Morocco's robust and multifaceted strategy serves as a model for effective border management and humanitarian intervention, showcasing its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring security in the region. As the global migration crisis continues to evolve, Morocco's proactive and compassionate approach stands as a beacon of hope, highlighting the potential for collaborative and humane solutions to this pressing challenge.


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