100 immigrants cross into Spanish enclave of Melilla

Over 100 sub-Saharan immigrants have crossed the frontier fence separating the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla from Morocco, the regional government delegate said.

The attempt was made on Sunday afternoon, coinciding with the changing of guard at the border.

The Spanish government delegate in Melilla described it as a "massive coordinated assault," by around 500 immigrants, who divided into groups to try and scale four points of the double six-meter high fence.

Over 100 immigrants were successful in making the crossing, although two were reported to be injured, with one bleeding from a head wound and the other needing to be carried by his companions.

They then made their way into the Center for Temporary Immigrant Accommodation. Spanish TV network RTVE reported that many inhabitants of Melilla gave them water to drink and showed them the way to the center.

This was the third successful assault on the frontier in two weeks after 150 immigrants were able to cross on August 20 and another 50 10 days later.

Thousands of immigrants meanwhile remain camped in the hills and woods outside of Melilla, hoping for their chance to cross into Spain.

Source : XINHUA