The focus this month was to begin the reports from the IBRG MOMEX-24 trip to the Spanish exclave of Melilla and its borders with Spain as well as the additional focus on the additional Spanish possession of the Chafarinas Islands. Rather that approach the reports chronologically I decided to report on our visits to the Moroccan – Algerian border. My reason for doing this was there is so little on line about this border so I wanted to share my findings as soon as possible.

Please click on the images below or the red text to access the full visit reports, with photos maps and analysis.

New Pages

6 new pages this month focusing on areas which are often not visited by border enthusiasts.

• 1) The Chafarinas Islands, are a group of three small Spanish islets located in the Alboran Sea off the coast of Morocco with an aggregate area of 0.525 km2, 45 km to the east of Nador and 3.3 km off the Moroccan town of Ras Kebdana. The islands are clearly visible from the Moroccan shoreline. The islands are Isla del Congreso, Isla de Isabel II and finally Isla del Rey. Details here.
• 2) Saïdia known as the “Blue Pearl”, is a coastal town in northeastern Morocco.  This where the border between Morocco and Algeria meets the sea. There are 2 areas where rows of flags face each other. There are also military bases and frontier fortifications to observe as the 2 countries face each other over a small river. Details here.
• 3) Douar Cheraga is a small hamlet situated right up against the border between Morocco and Algeria. Close up photos of the heavily fortified frontier with fences, watch towers, and earthworks. Details here.
• 4) A collection of embassies in Madrid, observed on a short stay. Details here
• 5) Ahfir – Boukanoun border crossing,the border at this point is a small river Wadi Kiss and is crossed by a small bridge between the 2 control points. Both counties and the border bridge were observed. There were no photos online – until now of this point. Details here.
• 6) Zouj Beghal – Akid Lotfi border crossing has also been closed since 1994. An exploration of the road and nearby rail crossing. Photos of this point have been rare up to now. details here.

Updated Pages

2 amended pages this month.

• 1) Additional photos and links added to the Morocco country page. Details here
• 2) Additional photos and links added to the Spain country page. Details here.