Ceuta on alert over social media calls for new migrant surge

Authorities in Ceuta have raised concerns over social media calls for a renewed массов entry attempt by migrants into the enclave on August 15, following a recent surge that strained border controls.

“Obviously, after everything that has happened, the presence of these rumours on social media is worrying,” said Alejandro Ramirez, according to 20 Minutos. He added that the relevant authorities have been alerted to the online activity.

Posts circulating in recent days have encouraged users to join messaging groups set up to coordinate a large-scale crossing into Ceuta. The proposed assembly point is the nearby Moroccan border city of Fnideq, which lies adjacent to the enclave.

The warnings come after a major migration surge in late July, when, according to the government of Spain, around 72,000 irregular migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or circumventing a breakwater that separates the territory from Morocco. In response, Spanish authorities deployed military forces to support security operations in the city.

Madrid has said that at least 75 people died while attempting to reach Ceuta during the surge, while Moroccan authorities reported 11 fatalities. Officials estimate that approximately 70,000 migrants have since returned to Morocco.

The potential for a renewed массов attempt has heightened security concerns in Ceuta, with authorities closely monitoring developments and preparing for possible further pressure on the border.

By Tamilla Hasanova