Moroccan Royal Navy Rescues 131 Irregular Migrants Off Laayoune Coast

The Moroccan Royal Navy rescued 131 irregular migrants off the coast of Laayoune on Monday, according to a military source. The migrants, who were attempting to reach the Canary Islands, included 12 women and three children.

The rescue operation took place after the migrants' inflatable boats encountered difficulties at sea due to poor weather conditions. The Royal Navy provided first aid to the migrants before transporting them safely back to the port of Laayoune.

Morocco has seen a significant increase in irregular migration attempts to the Canary Islands in recent years. In 2022, over 15,000 migrants reached the Spanish archipelago, many departing from the Western Sahara region controlled by Morocco.

Why this matters: The rescue highlights the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration in the region and the critical role played by the Moroccan Royal Navy in saving lives at sea. It also highlights the necessity for holistic approaches to tackle the underlying factors contributing to migration and guarantee the well-being and respect of all people affected.

A spokesperson for the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces stated, "Our navy remains vigilant and ready to intervene to assist those in distress at sea. We are committed to upholding our humanitarian responsibilities while working with our partners to address this complex issue."

The rescued migrants will receive necessary medical attention and be processed in accordance with Moroccan and international law. Moroccan authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking networks and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in cooperation with European partners.

Key Takeaways

• Moroccan navy rescued 131 irregular migrants off Laayoune coast on Monday.
• Migrants were attempting to reach Canary Islands when their boats encountered difficulties.
• Morocco has seen a significant increase in irregular migration attempts to Canary Islands.
• Rescue highlights challenges of irregular migration and Morocco's role in saving lives at sea.
• Rescued migrants will receive medical attention and be processed per Moroccan and international law.