500 migrants intercepted in Algeria and Mauritania

Algeria and Mauritania intercepted or rescued more than 500 migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea, both countries confirmed on 19 August. According to Maghrebi Week on 24 August, Algeria’s coast guard thwarted 223 crossing attempts between 12 and 18 August, while army units separately arrested 211 irregular migrants elsewhere in the country.

In Mauritania, coast guard forces rescued 315 migrants, including women and children, off Nouadhibou after intercepting a boat from Gambia.

The interceptions come amid intensified Algerian efforts to curb smuggling networks, particularly along riskier routes toward Spain’s Balearic Islands. Mauritania remains a key transit point for sub-Saharan migrants heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands.

Maghrebi Week