Morocco beefs up security at Ceuta and Melilla borders after online calls for new crossings

Morocco has increased security measures along its border with Spain following online calls for mass crossings into the Spanish city of Ceuta. The Moroccan government expressed concern over a potential surge similar to last month's incident when tens of thousands of migrants rushed the border. Spain's Civil Guard reaffirmed that the border will remain closed and warned against any further attempts at mass entry into Spain's North African exclaves.

Messages have been circulating on Moroccan social media platforms suggesting a new rush on Ceuta's border on Saturday, but the source remains unclear. In late July, around 72,000 migrants attempted to cross the border, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 people. Human rights groups claim the actual death toll may be higher. Moroccan authorities have deployed up to 20,000 security personnel along the border daily, costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Interior Ministry accused a group of individuals of incitement and is currently investigating them. Spain's Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, emphasized the need for everyone to address those directing these movements, including through social media, and vowed that such aggression against Ceuta or Melilla would be considered an attack on Spain.