In response to social media calls for a renewed mass migration attempt to Ceuta this weekend, both Spain and Morocco have significantly enhanced their border security measures. The authorities have deployed barbed wire, water cannons, and thousands of personnel to fortify the border separating Morocco from the Spanish enclave in North Africa. However, reports from a dpa journalist on the ground indicated a calm morning at the Ceuta border crossing, a sentiment echoed by Spain's state broadcaster RTVE and other local media outlets.
The primary aim of both nations is to avert a repeat of the unprecedented events that unfolded in late July, when estimates suggest that up to 80,000 migrants managed to reach Ceuta. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reiterated that the mass arrival witnessed at that time was an "extraordinary" occurrence that should not be expected to happen again.
Recently, Morocco's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of a group of individuals suspected of inciting new attempts for illegal entry into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Social media platforms had been abuzz with calls for collective crossings planned for August 15. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures are in place to prevent illegal border crossings.
Security protocols, particularly on the Moroccan side of the border, have been considerably tightened in recent days, according to RTVE. In the border town of Fnideq, additional barriers made of barbed wire and NATO wire have been erected. Patrol boats are actively monitoring the coastline, while water cannons are stationed at the border. Furthermore, numerous checkpoints have been established on the access roads leading to the crossings. In Ceuta, around 880 officers from the Spanish National Police are currently on duty, an increase of 270 compared to late July. They are supported by approximately 2,000 soldiers and 700 members of the Guardia Civil police unit.
The influx of migrants two weeks ago was unprecedented, with tens of thousands arriving predominantly by swimming on July 30 alone. This perilous attempt resulted in countless tragedies, with the latest official reports from Madrid indicating that 83 bodies were recovered from the sea. Non-governmental organizations estimate the death toll may exceed one hundred. Most of the new arrivals reportedly returned to Morocco within hours or days, but according to Minister Grande-Marlaska, around 5,000 migrants are still in Ceuta, acknowledging that it will take some time before conditions return to complete normalcy.
As reported by tagesanzeiger.ch.
