Morocco Alerts on Potential Mass Crossings to Ceuta
On August 13, 2026, Morocco raised alarms about prospective mass attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla, following reports circulating on social media urging individuals to attempt entry on August 15. A spokesperson from Morocco's Interior Ministry confirmed that they are aware of these social media posts and have implemented "all necessary measures" to prevent further mass arrivals to the Spanish exclave, as reported by the Spanish news agency Europapress.
In late July, tens of thousands of migrants surged into Ceuta, although the majority returned to Morocco within hours. Authorities expressed concern that the calls for action on August 15 pose a serious risk to public safety and exploit migration issues for incitement, an act that is legally punishable. According to reports from the Moroccan news portal Hespress, the creators and supporters of these posts could face legal consequences, with several arrests already made for inciting illegal immigration.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant Against Misinformation
The Rabat ministry further urged the Moroccan populace to stay vigilant and responsible, advising them not to be misled by such suspicious and false calls that could jeopardize lives. Morocco has also reportedly intensified security measures in the Spanish exclave of Melilla, according to AP News.
In response to the situation, the European Union noted that both Meta and TikTok have voluntarily committed to actions aimed at curbing misinformation regarding the influx of migrants into Ceuta. Increased fact-checking efforts are set to be prioritized. A Meta spokesperson stated that the company is monitoring the situation in Ceuta in real-time and is removing content that violates their policies, including posts that promote or seek smuggling services.
On July 30, news agency Reuters reported that approximately 72,000 individuals arrived in Ceuta, although estimates varied widely; Spanish authorities cited numbers as high as 80,000, while the Moroccan government initially estimated around 40,000. A significant number of these individuals have already returned to Morocco, and it has been reported that at least 142 lives were lost in the attempt to reach the exclave. As reported by merkur.de.
