Ceuta Remains Incident-Free, Report Cites Morocco’s Continued Border Control Efforts

Rabat – New reports said Ceuta remained incident-free on Sunday amid heightened security on both sides of the border, with EFE highlighting Morocco’s continued deployment of security forces to prevent new mass crossings.

The Spanish news agency quoted the Government Delegation, which said it kept security measures activated and on alert to tackle any new mass crossings.

The vigilance comes a few weeks after one of the largest migrant crossings to the occupied enclave of Ceuta. On July 30, tens of thousands of migrants attempted or reached the enclave. Spanish reports claim the number of those who crossed totaled between 70,000 and 80,000.

Moroccan assessments, however, said that the number who entered the enclave totaled 40,000, while 1,000 headed to Melilla.

This prompted cooperation, including an agreement that returned all migrants home. Hundreds also preferred to come back to the country voluntarily.

Reports indicate at least 4,000 minors remain in the enclave, with Morocco urging Spanish authorities to ensure their return by speeding up the deportation process.

Following the first incident, a new social media campaign incited new crossings, including on August 15. Morocco tightened its security, and the country foiled new attempts to cross Ceuta, arresting over 290 people on Saturday.

EFE quoted sources who said that there were several attempts on Saturday by groups who approached the enclave in the vicinity of Fnideq, northern Morocco.

Morocco’s deployed forces, however, intervened to contain the crossing.

“The Moroccan security deployment remained active overnight and had to intervene occasionally in response to new movements detected in the area,” the sources quoted by EFE said.