In response to calls on social media for a renewed migrant influx to Ceuta this weekend, both Spain and Morocco have significantly bolstered their security measures along the border of the Spanish North African enclave. Reports from a dpa journalist on the ground indicated that the border crossing in Ceuta was notably calm on Saturday morning, a sentiment echoed by the state broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media outlets reporting from the enclave. Authorities in both nations are keen to prevent a repeat of the events from late July, when estimates suggested that as many as 80,000 migrants reached Ceuta during a sudden surge.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reiterated recently that the mass arrival of migrants was an "extraordinary" event that is not expected to recur. Just days ago, Morocco's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of a group suspected of inciting new attempts to illegally enter the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on August 15, asserting that all necessary measures had been put in place to thwart illegal border crossings.

Tightened Security: Barbed Wire, Water Cannons, and Patrol Boats

The security measures have been notably intensified on the Moroccan side of the border in recent days, as reported by RTVE. Authorities have erected additional barriers made of barbed wire and NATO wire in the border town of Fnideq. Patrol boats are actively monitoring the coastline, and water cannons are stationed at the border. Furthermore, numerous checkpoints have been established on the access roads. In Ceuta, approximately 880 officers from the Spanish National Police are deployed, which is an increase of 270 since late July, supported by around 2,000 soldiers and 700 officers from the Guardia Civil police unit.

A Long Road to Normalcy

The events of roughly two weeks ago were unprecedented, particularly on July 30, when tens of thousands of migrants arrived in Ceuta, primarily by swimming. Tragically, many lost their lives in the attempt, with the latest official reports from Madrid indicating that 83 bodies have been recovered from the sea, while non-governmental organizations estimate the death toll to be well over 100. Most of the arrivals returned to Morocco within a few hours or days, according to the Spanish government, with around 5,000 migrants still remaining in Ceuta. Minister Grande-Marlaska acknowledged that it will take some time before a complete return to normalcy is achieved.

As reported by br.de.