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Moroccan police foiled on Friday an unpermitted migration attempt near the capital Rabat and arrested 26 migrants.

The operation occurred off the coast of Mehdia town, 36 km north of Rabat, the police said in a statement, adding five women including a pregnant one were among the arrested.

Police seized two boats, two engines, a GPS device and five jerry cans filled with 200 liters of fuel, according to the statement.

Investigations are under way to arrest more in this criminal network.

Morocco has become a hub for African migrants seeking to reach Europe, as thousands try to flee poverty and unrest in Africa each year through Morocco to Europe, either by land or by sea.