Thousands of migrants who attempted to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta have begun returning home after being turned back by Spanish authorities, as Moroccan officials intensified efforts to restore order along the border.
According to AFP journalists at the scene, large numbers of returnees boarded buses on Friday, with the repatriation operation continuing on Saturday.
A Moroccan source familiar with the operation said those returned by Spain were being transported directly to their hometowns by bus or through the railway station in Tangier, about 70 kilometres from the border.
The source added that the Fnideq border crossing and the surrounding hills had been fully secured after violent confrontations between migrants and security forces.
Spanish authorities announced on Friday that at least 48,000 of the estimated 60,000 people who crossed into Ceuta in recent days had already returned to Morocco.
AFP journalists observed around 20 buses, each carrying up to 54 passengers, leaving the area on Friday night as authorities worked to move thousands of people away from the border.
The buses travelled to destinations including Tangier, Tetouan and Casablanca, where railway connections were available for migrants who had journeyed from distant parts of Morocco, including Marrakech, more than 500 kilometres away.
For many, the failed journey ended in disappointment.
“I heard that buses had arrived to take us back home. Honestly, I just want to see my children again. I regret having come all the way here,” said Rachid Aouchari, a 32-year-old from Ksar el Kebir, who was turned back after attempting to enter Ceuta.
Before calm was restored, security forces clashed with hundreds of migrants trying to reach Spain by swimming or crossing on foot through the narrow border route into Ceuta.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, while dozens of people were arrested during the unrest, according to AFP journalists.
The operation marks the latest effort by both Moroccan and Spanish authorities to ease tensions and restore order following one of the largest recent attempts by migrants to enter the Spanish enclave.
