Moroccan navy intercepts 201 migrants headed to Spain's Canary Islands

Morocco · Rest of Africa region

Single-source report, not yet corroborated. As Morocco steps up efforts to curb irregular migration to Spain following a recent rise in arrivals to Ceuta, it said it had intercepted 201 migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands after departing from Western Sahara. The disputed territory, largely controlled by Morocco and formerly a Spanish colony, has emerged as a departure point for migrants seeking to reach the Canary Islands following tougher migration controls across North Africa.