Morocco Blocks Mass Migrant Crossing into Ceuta After Social Media Calls

Moroccan authorities have successfully intercepted dozens of migrants attempting to cross into the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta, reports indicate. This comes just weeks after a significant influx saw approximately 78,000 migrants arrive in the exclave by sea, prompting heightened security measures in the region.

According to Moroccan security sources cited by Spanish media and Reuters, over 100 individuals were blocked while trying to reach the border on the outskirts of Fnideq, also known as Castillejos. Specifically, 111 people were detained in and around Fnideq, which is about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the border. The majority of those detained were identified as being from sub-Saharan Africa.

The increased vigilance was triggered by suggestions circulating on social media about a potential second mass crossing attempt this weekend.

Moroccan police, some equipped in riot gear, reportedly used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered on nearby hills, preventing them from advancing towards the border.

Earlier this week, the Moroccan government had issued a warning, stating it was monitoring "the circulation of social media posts and messages of unknown origin" that called for a mass crossing on Saturday. They also pledged to prosecute any organizers and participants involved in such attempts.

Both Spanish and Moroccan authorities significantly ramped up their security presence.

Spanish newspaper El País reported that security at the breakwater entrance was "10 times stronger than the previous day." Morocco deployed army officers, navy speedboats, and drones to the border, while Madrid dispatched more than 1,500 security officers to patrol the area.

In addition, Spain has taken further measures by installing a metal fence and a floating barrier following the massive influx experienced last month.

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