{
  "id": 1258522,
  "title": "Spanische Nordafrika-Exklave: Aufatmen in Ceuta: Trotz Netz-Aufrufen kein neuer Ansturm",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/spanische-nordafrika-exklave-aufatmen-in-ceuta-trotz-netz-aufrufen",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T11:13:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/spanische-nordafrika-exklave-aufatmen-in-ceuta-trotz-netz-aufrufen-kein-neuer-ansturm/100247573.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The feared influx of migrants to the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta did not materialize, despite online calls for action and similar events at the end of July. Ceuta remained calm over the weekend as Spain and especially Morocco intensified security measures. Around 300 migrants, reportedly aiming for the enclave, were stopped by security forces near the 20-kilometer distant border town of Fnideq, according to media citing Moroccan authorities. This number is routine. Spanish daily \"El Mundo\" estimated that the regime of King Mohammed VI had deployed such a massive security presence at the border that few Maghreb migrants had attempted to reach Spain since. Concern over chaos, then relief in Ceuta was great. Newspapers \"El Correo\" and others in Spain reported that the enclave was \"breathing again\" on Saturday. An older resident said on television: \"We feel a stone leave our heart. Many here were afraid that the chaos might repeat.\" After estimates put up to 80,000 migrants in Ceuta in late July, most of whom returned to Morocco shortly thereafter, a dpa reporter on the ground confirmed a largely relaxed atmosphere. In the city center, it was almost like a calm world, with police and military patrolling occasionally. Only in the outskirts were larger groups of young migrants, he said. By Sunday, the situation remained quiet. Moroccan security forces were on duty around Ceuta and also at the border with the second Spanish enclave Melilla, according to witnesses. Moroccan security forces reported 294 people detained, including 248 from countries south of the Sahara and 46 Moroccan nationals. Additionally, at least 61 others were arrested for allegedly inciting or facilitating irregular migration via social networks. Barbed wire, water cannons, and patrol boats were part of the increased security measures. In Fnideq, Morocco erected additional barbed wire and NATO wire barriers. Patrol boats patrolled the coastline, water cannons were positioned at the border, and numerous checkpoints were set up on the roads leading to the enclave. Morocco's role in controlling irregular migration to Europe emerged as a key factor. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized in recent days that the mass arrival at the end of July was an \"exceptional\" event that would not repeat. In Fnideq, Morocco erected additional barbed wire and NATO wire barriers. Patrol boats patrolled the coastline, water cannons were positioned at the border, and numerous checkpoints were established along the roads leading to the enclave.",
  "summary": "Nach Aufrufen im Netz zu einem neuen Migrantenansturm auf Ceuta schrillen in Spanien und Marokko die Alarmglocken. Das befürchtete Chaos bleibt aber aus. Und dafür gibt es auch Erklärungen.",
  "key_points": [
    "No new migrant influx to Ceuta despite online calls",
    "294 people detained by Moroccan security forces",
    "Morocco intensified border security measures"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}