Morocco and Spain tighten Ceuta, Melilla border security
Both countries increase deployments and surveillance as online calls urge migrants to attempt mass crossings into Spanish enclaves
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco and Spain have intensified security measures around the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla following online calls for attempted mass border crossings on August 15, according to media sources.
The heightened security comes less than two weeks after a major surge in migration pressure around the enclaves on July 30, when thousands of migrants attempted to reach Ceuta and the incident resulted in deaths.
Moroccan authorities have strengthened controls across northern areas extending from Tetouan toward Nador, deploying additional police and security personnel along routes leading toward the border.
Morocco’s General Directorate for National Security and Royal Gendarmerie have established checkpoints on major roads and are inspecting vehicles, buses and trains traveling toward the northern border areas.
Authorities have also increased identity checks around Fnideq and other access routes to Ceuta. Individuals suspected of preparing to cross the border fence or attempt entry by sea are reportedly being detained and transported away from the border region.
Helicopters operated by Moroccan military forces have also been conducting surveillance over surrounding hills to prevent migrants from establishing temporary camps before attempting a crossing. Additional metal barriers have been installed along routes leading toward the Bab Sebta border crossing.
The intensified measures have drawn criticism from human rights groups. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights has reported cases in which young migrants were detained and transported to distant cities, with its Nador branch alleging that some people were subsequently left in rural locations away from major urban centers.
On the Spanish side, authorities have also placed Ceuta and Melilla under heightened security. Spain’s National Police and Civil Guard have increased monitoring around vulnerable coastal and border areas, including the Tarajal and Benzú breakwaters in Ceuta.
Spanish security authorities have maintained continuous patrols while preparing for the possibility of a large-scale attempted crossing. Some personnel leave and temporary permits have reportedly been suspended to ensure sufficient staffing during the period of heightened concern.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Madrid remains in regular contact with Moroccan authorities over management of the shared border.
Albares said the two countries are cooperating against human-smuggling networks and on the implementation of return procedures, while emphasizing the need to protect Spain’s borders and the wider Schengen area.
He also warned that people who enter Ceuta or Melilla irregularly would not automatically obtain the right to remain in Spain or travel freely elsewhere in Europe, saying unauthorized crossings would be handled under Spanish law.
Spanish diplomatic authorities have repeated the warning through public communications, while the country’s armed forces are providing logistical support to security operations.
Authorities on both sides are seeking to prevent another large-scale border incident and are considering continued security reinforcements as online calls for crossings persist.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
