Overview

• The Moroccan navy intercepted 141 migrants off the coast of the Western Sahara, a territory controlled by Morocco since 1975.
• All rescued individuals originated from sub-Saharan Africa, likely embarking from Mauritania, a major departure point for migrants aiming for Spain's Canary Islands.
• The interception is the largest reported by Moroccan authorities this year, amidst a spike in migration attempts from West Africa to the Canary Islands.
• Spain's Interior Ministry reports a more than sixfold increase in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands as of February 15, compared to the same period last year.
• Mauritania recently signed a 210 million euro agreement with the European Union to enhance migration patrolling and provide humanitarian aid.