Enhanced Security Measures in Response to Social Media Threats
In light of widespread social media calls for mass border crossings scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, both Spain and Morocco have implemented significant security measures to prevent potential unrest. According to reports from the Spanish news agency Europa Press, Rabat has reiterated its strong commitment to secure its borders and thwart the operations of human trafficking networks.
On Tuesday, Spanish authorities announced a substantial increase in personnel around the occupied enclave of Ceuta. As reported by Europa Press, citing sources from the Spanish government's delegation, this exceptional security deployment is a direct response to a misinformation campaign and calls for collective intrusions.
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has dispatched an additional 75 officers from the National Police's Intervention Unit, while the Civil Guard has mobilized more than 200 additional personnel during both night and day shifts. To ensure ongoing aerial surveillance of the border area, two drones and a helicopter have been deployed.
Preventive Measures and Infrastructure Modernization
In anticipation of these destabilizing attempts orchestrated online, Moroccan security forces have established a comprehensive preventive framework. Checkpoints and patrols have been set up up to 100 kilometers from the border to intercept any suspicious gatherings and restrict movement northward.
In an interview with Spanish media outlet LaSexta, which was also reported by Europa Press, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized Morocco's unwavering commitment to border security. Drawing on his regular communications with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, Albares confirmed that Rabat will "do everything necessary" to prevent any attempts at crossing, reflecting the effective measures implemented in mid-August that neutralized previous similar calls.
Simultaneously, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has announced plans to modernize and extend the El Tarajal breakwater. The goal is to replace the frequently damaged temporary floating buoy system with a permanent and reinforced structure. This project, estimated at €9 million, will involve extending the breakwater over more than 115 linear meters, incorporating anti-climb grids, and installing high-resistance floating markers anchored to the seabed to prevent submerged crossings.
Through enhanced strategic vigilance and the seamless sharing of intelligence between Morocco and Spain, both countries aim to preempt any instrumentalization of the situation and ensure stability along their shared border.
As reported by h24info.ma.
