Migrant group urges thousands of youths to storm Spain’s border later this month | World | News

A group is calling on migrants heading for Europe to rush the border of the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, which borders Morocco, on September 30.

According to ABC España, members of the “Harraga movement” are encouraging people to try and overwhelm guards and border defences.

The term “Harraga”, reportedly originating from Algeria, means “those who burn” – a nod to migrants’ tendency to set fire to their identifying documents en route to Europe by boat.

Those involved in the Harraga movement have made a call to action, according to Algerian intelligence, for migrants to make a renewed effort on the Ceuta border at the end of the month.

This comes after Moroccan authorities made 4,455 arrests between September 11 and September 15, after hoards of people planned to break into the Spanish exclave.

According to ABC España, 3,795 adults and 141 minors were detained.

It was also reported by the outlet that Algerians were flying to Morocco to make an attempt on the heavily fortified border – a piece of Europe on African soil.

Those seeking to burst through the border defences believe doing so gets them materially closer to the life they want on the European mainland. However, authorities from Morocco, Spain and Algeria are working to stop the irregular practice.

Ceuta’s government spokesperson Alejandro Ramírez said yesterday that he suspects these movements “are not spontaneous but could be organised” with the aim of generating “tension and unrest.”

He added: “We believe there is some ill intent behind these attempts, probably coordinated through social media.”