Gambian authorities intercepted more than 780 migrants at three locations attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, a spokesperson confirmed.
The operation occurred shortly after a migrant boat capsized off the Gambian coast, resulting in more than 30 deaths.
A Gambian official stated that increased maritime patrols by Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco have forced migrant vessels to depart from further south, including from Gambia. This shift prompted the activation of special operations teams to intercept departing boats.
Tens of thousands of migrants, primarily young people from West Africa, attempt the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands each year on overcrowded and often dilapidated boats. This migration route is considered one of the world’s deadliest.
