Morocco disrupts plot for mass border crossing to Ceuta ahead of august 15
Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi confirmed the arrest of key instigators and the deployment of a robust, ongoing surveillance system near the Ceuta border. He also condemned social media campaigns inciting illegal crossings and urged Spain to accelerate the repatriation of unaccompanied minors.
Moroccan authorities have mobilized all available resources to prevent any illegal attempts to breach the borders of Ceuta and Melilla. This comes after recent social media posts and anonymous messages called for a mass crossing on August 15. Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi announced this in Rabat, emphasizing that security forces have already detained several individuals suspected of inciting such actions.
During the press briefing, Mr. El Khalfi confirmed that investigations are underway under judicial supervision. The Interior Ministry warned that these calls pose serious risks to human safety and constitute a violation of the law. Both participants and organizers of these online campaigns face legal consequences.
Ongoing, Unrestricted Surveillance
The Interior Ministry stressed that security operations, coordinated by the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), are not limited to a specific timeframe but reflect a permanent surveillance strategy near Ceuta and Melilla border crossings. This system is continuously reinforced and adapted based on evolving risks and ground realities.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious or misleading instructions, and prioritize their safety. They reiterated that combating irregular migration is conducted strictly within the boundaries of the law.
Call for shared responsibility and accelerated minor returns
The official statement underlined that addressing irregular migration and human trafficking requires a shared responsibility that no single party can handle alone.
In this context, Morocco’s Interior Ministry called on Spanish authorities to expedite the repatriation of unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta to their families in Morocco. The ministry urged Madrid to overcome administrative and judicial obstacles delaying these returns, always prioritizing the best interests of the minors.
Additionally, Rabat reaffirmed the importance of the immediate repatriation mechanism, citing its proven effectiveness in previous border interventions.
Finally, the Interior Ministry reassured that Moroccan authorities will continue to uphold public order and safety with firmness and responsibility. They remain fully prepared, maintaining constant coordination while fully adhering to legal provisions.
