Concerns regarding a new wave of migrants attempting to enter the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta have not materialized as anticipated. Despite calls on social media urging a repeat of the mass border crossings witnessed at the end of July, the situation at the border and within the exclave remained calm throughout the day. Both Spain and Morocco had significantly strengthened their security measures in preparation for this potential surge.
According to reports from the state broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media outlets, the early morning scene at the border was characterized by absolute silence. Only in the outskirts were small groups of young migrants observed. The authorities of both countries had ramped up security in an effort to prevent a repeat of the extraordinary events from late July, during which estimates suggest that up to 80,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta.
Spanish Minister: Mass Influx Not Likely to Recur
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reiterated that the mass arrival witnessed previously was an exceptional event unlikely to be replicated. Recently, the Moroccan Interior Ministry announced the arrest of a group suspected of inciting new attempts to illegally enter the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Social media posts had circulated calls for large-scale crossings on August 15.
Witnesses reported a significant presence of Moroccan security forces around Ceuta and Melilla, effectively preventing any border crossings beforehand. Hundreds of migrants, many hailing from countries south of the Sahara, were intercepted near the border town of Fnideq, approximately 20 kilometers from Ceuta, and were thwarted in their attempts to cross. According to the Rabat Interior Ministry, 111 migrants without valid documents were apprehended on Saturday.
In recent days, Morocco had bolstered its security measures considerably. RTVE reported that additional barbed wire and NATO wire barriers had been erected in Fnideq. Patrol boats monitored the coastline, and water cannons were stationed at the border, alongside numerous checkpoints established on access roads.
Spain also heightened its security protocols in light of these concerns. Currently, 880 officers from the National Police are deployed in Ceuta, an increase of 270 compared to late July, supported by around 2,000 soldiers and approximately 700 Guardia Civil officers.
Return to Normalcy Takes Time
The surge from two weeks ago was unprecedented, particularly on July 30, when tens of thousands of migrants swam to Ceuta. Tragically, dozens lost their lives in the attempt; according to the most recent official report from Madrid, 83 bodies were recovered from the sea, while NGOs estimate the death toll to be well over a hundred.
Most of the arrivals returned to Morocco within hours or days, but Minister Grande-Marlaska noted that around 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. He acknowledged that it would take some time before normalcy is fully restored in the region.
As reported by kurier.at.
