Strengthened Security Measures Along the Moroccan-Spanish Border
On September 23, 2026, Morocco and Spain have reportedly achieved a significant success in countering the recent calls for mass migration towards the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. This development may rejuvenate the relations between the two neighboring countries. The border regions, particularly around the areas adjacent to Ceuta and Melilla, have seen heightened security measures from both sides, contributing to a stable and calm environment, with no attempts at illegal crossings reported by midday.
In the border area between the Moroccan town of Fnideq and the occupied Ceuta, Morocco has bolstered its security presence in response to circulating calls for collective crossings. According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the border was on high alert, yet the situation remained calm on both sides. The Moroccan security reinforcement extended beyond just the immediate border points, reaching the routes leading from Tangier and Tetouan towards Fnideq. This deployment coincided with social media discussions about a potential mass crossing into Ceuta and Melilla.
Despite the rising tensions, Spanish reports up to midday indicated that there was no collective movement of migrants towards the border fence from the Moroccan side. The situation remained tranquil, with ongoing preventive security measures across the border area. Local media in the occupied Ceuta highlighted a significant Moroccan security presence around the border, alongside increased maritime patrols in the region. Images released by 'Ceuta TV' depicted security forces on both sides, describing the situation at Tarajal and Benzu as calm, despite the heightened state of alert.
Ongoing Coordination Between Morocco and Spain
These security measures are part of a broader context of calls circulated on social media for a collective entry on September 23, coinciding with Morocco's legislative elections. The calls suggested a potential decrease in the number of security personnel at the crossings, a claim that was not substantiated by the on-ground data reported by Spanish media today.
On the Spanish side, security reinforcements were implemented starting Tuesday night, with the police deploying an additional 75 intervention units, while the Civil Guard increased its presence with three units from the reserve and security groups. Additionally, helicopters and drones were employed to monitor the border area. Reports from EFE indicated that migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were observed in the mountainous regions near the border, but there were no attempts to approach the fence or cross it. The day before, security sources reported seeing approximately 150 migrants near the Moroccan town of Belyounch adjacent to the border.
Similarly, the situation in Melilla remained quiet, with Spanish authorities reporting no irregular attempts to cross despite the circulating calls for that day. EFE noted that security deployment was above normal levels, incorporating police, civil guard units, and aerial surveillance of the borders.
By midday on Wednesday, the data available indicated that the security mobilization by both Morocco and Spain successfully thwarted the new calls for collective crossings towards Ceuta or Melilla. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that a meeting is anticipated with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This meeting aims to continue the coordination between Rabat and Madrid concerning several shared issues, chiefly the situation in the occupied city of Ceuta.
Albares further clarified, in press statements following his arrival in New York, that while the exact timing of the meeting with Bourita has not been finalized, preparations for the minister's agenda are ongoing. He emphasized that both parties have agreed to convene to engage in a "calm and balanced dialogue" regarding the situation in Ceuta, especially considering the ongoing presence of several migrants who arrived during the recent mass crossing wave.
As reported by hespress.com.
