Spain’s Ceuta Braces for Possible Mass Border Crossing Again as Morocco Deploys Hundreds of Security Officers and 8 Naval Vessels

Rabat: Morocco has tightened security along its border and coastal areas near Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta amid concerns that migrants could attempt another large-scale entry into the Spanish territory.

According to Business Insider Africa, Morocco has deployed hundreds of police officers near the border with Ceuta, while eight Moroccan naval vessels are patrolling off the coast near Fnideq. The measures come after calls circulated on social media urging people to attempt a mass crossing into Ceuta on August 15.

Moroccan authorities have stepped up surveillance along the border to prevent possible illegal crossings toward Ceuta and the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Social media posts have reportedly been circulating encouraging people to cross the border in large numbers.

Reports indicate that Moroccan police officers have been positioned near the border wearing protective equipment and carrying shields, while naval patrols have also been increased along the coast. Business Insider Africa reported that part of the large police presence may have been linked to security exercises, while border surveillance and naval patrols remain in place.

Spain has also strengthened security in Ceuta amid concerns over a possible mass arrival. Spanish authorities have deployed additional police and military personnel and increased surveillance around key locations and coastal areas.

The latest security measures follow a major border crisis in Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish authorities said around 72,000 people attempted to enter Ceuta from Morocco on July 30, while at least 96 people were killed in the incident.

Moroccan authorities have also warned against social media campaigns encouraging illegal migration and said action could be taken against those promoting such attempts. Officials have warned that some of the messages circulating online could be misleading and that human-smuggling networks could seek to exploit the situation.

Ceuta remains one of the most sensitive border points between Europe and Africa. Both Morocco and Spain have placed security forces on heightened alert amid concerns over a possible new mass crossing on August 15.