U.S. Government Clarifies Its Stance on Ceuta and Melilla
The U.S. government has reiterated its firm support for Spain's sovereignty over the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, distancing itself from a recent congressional report that controversially labeled these territories as being on "Moroccan territory" and suggested discussions regarding their future status. This clarification was provided by State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, who spoke to POLITICO on August 6, 2026.
Pigott emphasized that the congressional report does not reflect U.S. law or signify any shift in Washington's established policy concerning these strategic locations. His remarks come at a time when Spanish authorities are grappling with substantial migrant crossings into Ceuta, a situation that has prompted criticism of the Spanish government's handling of border security. In his comments, Pigott referred to the influx of around 72,000 arrivals as a direct consequence of what he termed the "shameful refusal" of the Spanish government to adequately protect its borders and citizens.
He attributed the rising tensions to the actions of "nefarious actors" who have sought to misinterpret U.S. positions, alleging that such narratives are intended to divert attention from the Spanish government's shortcomings in border management. Pigott reiterated the need for Spain to take decisive measures to control illegal migration, asserting that the ongoing situation poses a threat not only to the safety of Spanish citizens but also to the broader security landscape of Europe.
The congressional report, which sparked debate in both Morocco and Spain, attempted to underline the necessity for dialogue between Rabat and Madrid regarding the future of Ceuta and Melilla. However, Washington's swift repudiation of the report underscores its steadfast alignment with Spain's territorial claims, reinforcing the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
