The Spanish Civil Guard has commenced the installation of a new maritime barrier at the southern breakwater of Melilla, an autonomous city located in North Africa that shares a land border with Morocco.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing international media reports, the Civil Guard has indicated that the installation process will be carried out in several phases. Consequently, a specific timeline for the completion of the project has not yet been disclosed.
This decision comes against the backdrop of a significant migration crisis in Ceuta, another Spanish autonomous city in the region. Authorities have previously installed similar maritime barriers in Ceuta to deter illegal crossings from Morocco. In late July, thousands of migrants attempted to enter the city by swimming or walking across the breakwater separating the two territories, prompting the Spanish government to deploy military personnel to bolster security in the area. By installing this new barrier in Melilla, the Spanish government aims to enhance border security and preemptively address potential illegal entry attempts.
