Morocco, Spain Boost Ceuta Border Security Ahead of August 15

Moroccan and Spanish authorities have significantly increased security along their shared border with the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, aiming to prevent a repeat of a mass migrant crossing that occurred in late July. The heightened measures come in response to a renewed social media campaign calling for another large-scale attempt to enter the Spanish territories on August 15.

Morocco's Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has deployed police, gendarmerie, and auxiliary forces to man checkpoints, search vehicles, and intercept travelers heading toward the border. A ministry spokesman, Rachid El Khalfi, stated that all necessary measures were taken to counter illegal passage attempts and that legal proceedings would be initiated against individuals spreading calls encouraging irregular migration. The ministry also reported that a group of people accused of involvement has been summoned for investigation.

On the Spanish side, the Civil Guard has reinforced its presence in Ceuta with riot police, immigration specialists, intelligence units, naval assets, and air support. The force has also suspended leave for some personnel. Spanish authorities issued...