Spain and Morocco on high alert for possible new Ceuta border crossing this weekend

Spanish and Moroccan authorities are on high alert this weekend, following social media calls for a potential new mass attempt to cross into Ceuta. The heightened state of alert comes just two weeks after over 72,000 individuals entered Ceuta illegally, most of them by swimming or walking around the Tarajal breakwater. While most of those who entered returned to Morocco within days, around 5,000 are still present in Ceuta, including 1,898 unaccompanied minors.

In response to the social media campaign, Spain has increased its military presence in Ceuta, suspending holidays, permits, and licenses for Guardia Civil officers. An additional 45 officers from a Prevention and Reaction Unit, and 20 from the Central Immigration and Borders Brigade, are en route to the Spanish enclave to assist with identification and returns.

Morocco, for its part, has beefed up security measures, including the installation of barbed wire and increased police numbers. They have also taken legal action against those spreading the calls to cross.

Spanish intelligence views the online campaign as credible, and both countries insist that they are coordinating closely despite sharp words from Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. He criticized Spain's recent regularization of over half a million migrants and suggested reviewing the extradition agreement. Ceuta residents are understandably uneasy about the ongoing situation, with some estimates suggesting that the number of people still in the city may be higher than reported.

Both countries are prepared for any developments and are closely monitoring the situation. The success of any potential mass crossing will depend on the level of Moroccan control, the number of people who actually turn up, and weather conditions at sea. As of now, both Spain and Morocco are ready to handle whatever comes their way.