Nouakchott, Mauritania - Mauritanian security officials said Wednesday they had arrested 34 African migrants attempting to smuggle themselves to Spain. The arrests were made along the border with Western Sahara, which is administered by Morocco, and the security officers said the Red Crescent was allowed access to the migrants who were believed to be from Mali, Senegal and Guinea.
The officials quoted the migrants saying they had attempted to edge deeper into Morocco, but were chased into Mauritania by guards.
Mauritania, like Morocco to its north, has become a frequented spot for African migrants to attempt voyages to nearby Spanish islands off the coast, largely in efforts to improve their economic situations.
Nouakchott would hold the migrants in detention until they could be deported back to their countries of origin, the security officials said.
