Morocco has increased security along its borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla following social media calls for mass crossings. Spain has rejected any discussion of sovereignty over the cities, emphasizing they are integral parts of the country.
The heightened security and Spain's firm stance on sovereignty underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the Spanish enclaves in North Africa, a critical issue for both regional stability and European migration policy.
Morocco has bolstered security along its borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla as social media calls for mass crossings into the territories have resurfaced. Spain has firmly rejected any discussion of sovereignty over the cities, which it considers integral parts of the country.
In late July, approximately 72,000 migrants swam or climbed over the border into Ceuta, an event that resulted in at least 96 deaths. The Moroccan Interior Ministry announced that all necessary measures have been implemented to counter any new illegal crossing attempts, deploying significant security personnel and equipment to the border areas.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that Ceuta and Melilla are "super-Spanish" and "cannot be touched," warning that any aggression against them would be considered an aggression against Spain as a whole. The Spanish Civil Guard also issued a message to potential migrants, stating that the border is closed and new containment barriers are in place, with return for those who attempt to cross.
Moroccan authorities have also arrested individuals suspected of inciting these border crossing activities. The source of the social media messages urging a new rush on Ceuta's border remains unclear.