Spanish soldiers and tanks are pictured at the border fence between Morocco and the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta. AFP
Local media outlet Le360 reported that 294 people were arrested, 46 of them Moroccan and the rest from sub-Saharan Africa.
"This is a routine operation aimed at preventing attempted irregular migration" toward Ceuta, an official with knowledge of the intervention told AFP on condition of anonymity.
In summer in particular, the forests near towns on the border with Ceuta and Melilla -- another Spanish exclave to the east -- serve as gathering points for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach the territories.
According to the official, who did not provide the number of people detained, the arrests were part of "extensive security arrangements deployed" to prevent such departures.
Moroccan authorities had announced on Wednesday measures to counter another potential influx of migrants to Ceuta following a new wave of online disinformation saying the border would be open.
Le360 and the website Hespress reported that authorities in recent days arrested more than 60 people accused of inciting or promoting irregular migration on social media.
Two weeks ago, around 72,000 people, mostly Moroccans, crossed into Ceuta -- a territory of 84,000 inhabitants -- over the span of a few days, though the vast majority of them have since been returned to Morocco.
Moroccan authorities recovered the remains of 11 people who died in the chaos, while Spain said at least 80 people died.
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