Morocco arrests 249 illegal immigrants in two days

Moroccan authorities arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday 249 candidates to illegal immigration. 116 sub-Saharan Africans were arrested during a combing operation in Belyounech forest (near Spain occupied Sebta), and 40 others were netted in a similar operation in the Nador province (northeast), the Ministry of the Interior said in a release.

The Royal Navy intercepted 73 Moroccans off Al Hoceima (northeast), and 16 others off Tetouan (north).

Others were arrested during daily checks in Larache (North) and Nador, the same source went on.

Morocco has arrested between September 1 and 6 over 600 candidates to illegal immigration, including 175 Moroccans and 446 foreigners. Most of the arrests were the result of combing operations in Northern Tangiers and Nador, and Southern Laayoune and Boujdour.

Illegal immigrants come to Morocco seeking to cross to Spain or other European countries onboard makeshift boats.

Thousands of people risk their lives every year to illegally immigrate to Europe, using Morocco as a transit.

Since January, 3,714 would-be immigrants were arrested in the region of Laayoune alone, part of an all-out operation to crack down on illegal immigration.