Moroccan authorities are sending illegal migrants back to their home countries in Africa, hoping the move will deter others from attempting to use Morocco as a stepping-stone into Europe.
Over the past week, Morocco has airlifted more than 2,000 West Africans to their countries of origin, according to an AFP count, based on official figures.
Many of those sent back were Africans who attempted to enter Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish-controlled enclaves in northern Morocco.
There has recently been an increase in attempts to illegally enter these areas. At least 14 people have been killed in clashes with security forces while they were pulled back from the barbed wire fences. Some were killed in stampedes that occurred while hundreds of people stormed the fence, seeking a better life in Europe.
Moroccan authorities estimate that thousands of illegal migrants are still in the country.
Human rights organizations have criticized the Moroccan authorities for maltreating illegal migrants, exposing them to dire conditions and violating basic human rights.