France, Aug. 16 -- Reporters saw migrants being detained in areas close to the frontier, while Moroccan media outlet Le360 reported that 294 people had been arrested. It said 46 were Moroccan nationals, with the remainder coming from sub-Saharan Africa.

"This is a routine operation aimed at preventing attempted irregular migration" towards Ceuta, an official with knowledge of the intervention told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official did not give a figure for the number detained, but said the operation formed part of "extensive security arrangements deployed" to prevent further attempts to cross into the Spanish territory.

Forested areas around towns close to Ceuta and Melilla - Spain's other North African exclave, further east ...