Moroccan authorities have detained dozens of migrants attempting to reach Ceuta, the Spanish territory on the North African coast, amid heightened security and fears of another mass crossing attempt.

More than 100 people were reportedly stopped near the town of Fnideq, close to the border with Ceuta, according to Moroccan security sources cited by Spanish media and Reuters.

More Than 100 Migrants Detained

Moroccan security sources said 111 people were detained in and around Fnideq, which is known as Castillejos in Spanish.

Most of those detained were reportedly migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Moroccan police, including officers wearing riot gear, reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants who had gathered on hills near the border.

Fnideq is around 3km (1.8 miles) from the Ceuta border.

Security Increased After Earlier Mass Arrival

Authorities had increased security in the region following a major influx of migrants into Ceuta around two weeks earlier.

Reports said approximately 78,000 migrants arrived in the Spanish exclave by sea within a matter of hours. Ceuta’s mayor said around 100 people died during the episode, while the vast majority of those who arrived subsequently returned to Morocco.

The latest security operation comes amid concerns that another large-scale crossing could take place.

Social Media Posts Triggered Warning

Moroccan authorities said they had been monitoring social media posts and messages calling for a mass crossing attempt over the weekend.

Earlier in the week, Morocco’s government described the messages as being of “unknown origin” and warned that anyone organising or participating in an illegal mass crossing could face prosecution.

The authorities subsequently increased security around Fnideq and the surrounding border area.

Ceuta Remains a Key Migration Route

Ceuta, along with Spain’s other North African territory Melilla, is one of the main points where migrants attempt to enter the European Union from North Africa.

Its location makes it a particularly sensitive migration route, with Moroccan and Spanish authorities regularly increasing border security when there are signs of organised attempts to cross.

The latest arrests demonstrate the continued tension around the border, as authorities attempt to prevent another large-scale influx while migrants continue to seek routes into Europe.

Moroccan officials have not indicated whether further arrests are expected as security operations continue around Fnideq.