Morocco Steps Up Measures to Curb New Migrant Influx Toward Ceuta

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Morocco increased measures on Wednesday to prevent a new surge of migrants toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, following the detection of online disinformation encouraging crossings. For over a week, social media posts have claimed the border between Fnideq and Ceuta would open on August 15, a Spanish public holiday. This follows an irregular influx of approximately 72,000 people, primarily Moroccans, into Ceuta in late July, the majority of whom have since been returned. Moroccan interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi stated that all necessary measures are in place to counter illegal passage attempts and intercept individuals. The ministry reported the circulation of messages inciting collective, illegal crossing attempts, and announced legal proceedings against those spreading such calls. A group suspected of involvement has been summoned for investigation. Following the July influx, around 2,000 people, including approximately 1,000 unaccompanied minors, remain in Ceuta. Morocco has urged Spain to expedite the return of these minors. Moroccan authorities recovered 11 bodies after the crisis, while Spain reported at least 80 deaths. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights estimated the death toll at a minimum of 141. Spain's Foreign Ministry stated that its territorial integrity has never been, and will never be, discussed with anyone. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles asserted that Ceuta and Melilla are super-Spanish and cannot be touched, referring to the border crisis as an event that must never happen again. Spain's justice minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, reiterated Rabat's sovereignty claims over Ceuta and Melilla, stating Morocco always raises the issue in negotiations with Spain with a long-term goal of resolution through dialogue. Spain rejects discussing the sovereignty of these enclaves.

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