Moroccan authorities step up operations as online calls for mass migration to Ceuta spread

Security forces in Tangier and Tetouan are intensifying operations to intercept migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and Moroccan nationals attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amid viral social media calls for mass migration planned for Wednesday.

According to information obtained by Hespress AR, nearly 1,000 people, including sub-Saharan migrants, Moroccan youths and minors, were detained and relocated over the past two days as part of preemptive measures to prevent illegal crossings.

In Tetouan province alone, around 700 people were stopped within 48 hours, including 500 sub-Saharan migrants and 200 Moroccans from various regions who were reportedly preparing to storm the border fence separating Morocco from Ceuta. Those from sub-Saharan countries were transferred to southern and eastern regions of the country, while Moroccan nationals were returned to their hometowns.

In neighboring Tangier, authorities detained about 200 people, 150 of whom were sub-Saharan migrants and 50 Moroccan nationals, including minors. They were also relocated away from the northern border zone.

Meanwhile, units of the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Armed Forces and the Auxiliary Forces continue to patrol roads, forests and coastal areas to prevent potential gatherings or border attempts. Security checkpoints have been reinforced on national and regional roads connecting Tangier and Tetouan, where authorities have stopped several public transport vehicles and private cars suspected of carrying migrants.

Sources told Hespress AR that the ongoing operation, in place since the summer, has intensified in recent days following a surge of online posts calling for coordinated mass migration to Ceuta. Authorities suspect that those behind the social media campaign are seeking to replicate last year’s incident, when hundreds attempted to cross en masse, sparking national concern and heightened border vigilance.