Spanish authorities have provided additional details on the 500-meter floating barrier deployed off the enclave of Ceuta, stating it reaches one meter below the waterline and 70 centimeters above, according to reports. The barrier is intended to prevent swimmers from crossing the maritime border.
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the floating barrier deployed off the enclave of Ceuta extends one meter below the waterline and 70 centimeters above it, according to new details released Saturday night. The 500-meter barrier, which The Zioneer reported earlier this evening (23:10 Jerusalem), was installed as part of measures to strengthen maritime border surveillance following a surge in attempted crossings from Morocco.
The barrier deployment is the latest development in a crisis that has escalated over the past week. On Friday, The Zioneer reported that the Ceuta government declared a state of emergency after nine bodies were found on the beach, with at least 60 migrants reported dead in recent months. The Spanish news agency later that day reported 57 migrants killed in a single crossing attempt, a figure that was updated to 67 fatalities by Friday evening. Reports also indicated that over 37,000 Moroccans had returned to Morocco, and a 9-year-old girl was reported missing. CNN estimated that approximately 50,000 people had attempted to cross into Ceuta that week.
The crisis has drawn international reactions. As The Zioneer reported Friday, Spanish Interior Minister Marleska described Morocco as a 'completely reliable partner' and said dozens of European countries were demanding an emergency meeting. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized the EU's handling of the crisis, accusing European leaders of hypocrisy.
The exact location of the barrier and the date of installation have not been specified. It remains unclear whether the barrier has been fully deployed or if additional measures are planned.
8 developments
- DevelopingSpanish interior minister: illegal entrants to Ceuta will not be allowed to stay in Spain
- DevelopingReport claims Spanish authorities' 'lie' on Ceuta exposed; city still full of illegal migrants
- DevelopingAbu Ali Express: Spanish police, soldiers not intervening in Ceuta as migrants mock authorities
- StrongItaly orders closure of sea and air borders with Spain, suspends Schengen over Ceuta crisis
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