In response to increasing social media calls for a massive attempt to cross into the Spanish city of Ceuta, Morocco has significantly bolstered security measures in the northern town of Fnideq and surrounding areas. The Moroccan authorities have enhanced checkpoints leading to Fnideq, as well as to the northern cities of Tetouan, Tangier, and Nador. Additionally, barbed wire has been installed at the border crossing between Fnideq and Ceuta, accompanied by a substantial deployment of security personnel and auxiliary forces throughout the city.
These security measures were implemented ahead of August 15, following reports from the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, which indicated the detection of anonymous calls on social media urging for illegal crossings to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. On Wednesday, Rachid El Khalfi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, stated that authorities had been closely monitoring recent posts and anonymous messages circulating online, which encouraged organizing attempts to cross illegally into both enclaves.
El Khalfi described these calls as a severe threat to public safety, asserting that they aimed to exploit the ongoing migration crisis through inciting actions that are punishable under Moroccan law. He emphasized that authorities are vigilantly observing the situation and taking necessary steps to prevent illegal crossings and intercept those involved.
Between July 29 and 31, Ceuta's border experienced one of the largest waves of irregular crossings in recent years, with tens of thousands of Moroccans attempting to reach the enclave, although most returned to Fnideq shortly thereafter. Last Friday, Morocco's National Human Rights Council reported that the number of deaths during this wave of crossings had risen to 14, while Spanish authorities placed the death toll at 80. Moroccan authorities estimated that around 40,000 individuals attempted to cross, whereas Spanish estimates exceeded 70,000.
Ceuta and Melilla are located on the northern coast of Morocco but remain under Spanish administration. Morocco continues to assert sovereignty over both cities.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
