Morocco Blocks New Mass Crossing into Ceuta: Hundreds Intercepted, 61 Detained

Unprecedented Security Operation at the Ceuta Border

Moroccan security forces intercepted 148 migrants this Saturday, August 15 as they attempted to cross irregularly into Ceuta from Fnideq, locally known as Castillejos. According to sources like the news agency EFE, 128 of the migrants were of sub-Saharan origin and 20 were Moroccan. Meanwhile, Europa Press reported a figure of 111 intercepted individuals (109 sub-Saharan and 2 Moroccan). Furthermore, 61 people were detained for inciting illegal migration through social media, where they had organized a new mass entry attempt for this date.

The situation unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Hundreds of migrants gathered on the hillsides near Castillejos, about three kilometers from the border. Moroccan anti-riot units used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. The migrants were cornered and subsequently transported by bus to remote locations, such as Ouarzazate, over 800 kilometers to the south.

Spanish Journalists Ordered to Leave

Amidst the operation, a representative from the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior ordered journalists from the Spanish agency EFE and the public broadcaster TVE to leave Castillejos, threatening to revoke their accreditations. The correspondents were notified on-site without official explanation. TVE correspondent Arantxa Marculeta confirmed the expulsion by phone.

Spain Reinforces Its Military Deployment

In response to the situation, Spain has heavily fortified its side of the border. According to the newspaper ABC, the Spanish Army deployed light tanks (tanquetas) at the El Tarajal border, sending dozens of armored vehicles after images surfaced of migrants running towards the fence. The Ministry of the Interior sent an additional 150 police and Civil Guard officers, including three groups of the Rapid Action Group (GRS), a group of the Police Intervention Unit (UIP) with 50 agents, the patrol boat 'Río Segura', and a helicopter. In total, an estimated 1,600 security agents and 2,000 military personnel are currently deployed in the area.

Context: The July Crisis and Its Aftermath

This recent event follows a massive crisis at the end of last month. On July 30 and 31, more than 80,000 people entered Ceuta en masse from Morocco, according to Spanish government estimates. This unprecedented influx resulted in at least 141 deaths, as reported by humanitarian organizations. Two weeks later, an estimated 5,000 to 9,000 migrants remain in the city. Many are living in an improvised settlement on Trampolín beach, which has grown to over 80 makeshift huts. To handle the health crisis, the University Hospital of Ceuta expanded its capacity from 175 to 212 beds, and the National Institute of Health Management (Ingesa) reported providing 322 medical assistances in the last 24 hours.

Political Reactions in Spain

The crisis has sparked a fierce political debate. The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a 'traitor' and 'irresponsible' for remaining on vacation in Lanzarote instead of traveling to Ceuta. The conservative Popular Party (PP), through its spokesperson Jaime de los Santos, demanded that Sánchez 'leave his hideout' and assume 'sole command' of the crisis. The far-right party Vox also requested to enter the Ceuta government coalition and pointed fingers at local president Juan Jesús Vivas. Meanwhile, Melchor León from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) demanded the resignation of the Government Delegate in Ceuta.

On a more hopeful note, Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García, is scheduled to visit Ceuta this Sunday, and the Minister of Inclusion, Elma Saiz, will follow on Monday. The European Union has contributed to the efforts by deploying about 30 Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) agents to the area. Morocco has also installed a new four-meter-high metal barrier with razor wire near the border and maintains strict controls on access roads.