Moroccan authorities have raised security readiness around Ceuta and Melilla ahead of social media calls for mass irregular crossings on Aug. 15, deploying additional personnel, riot-control units and anti-gang teams while expanding surveillance of roads and coastal routes leading to the two enclaves.
Hespress observed significant deployments of security personnel and equipment used in public-order operations, involving several security and military bodies. The measures are aimed at preventing large gatherings from forming near sensitive border areas and intercepting movements linked to the online calls before they reach crossing points.
Equipment deployed includes water-cannon trucks, tear-gas launchers and stun grenades, giving public-order units options to intervene from a distance if necessary under rules governing the proportional use of force.
Anti-gang units have also been placed on standby to respond to possible violence or assaults during any attempted mass crossing.
The plan extends beyond the immediate border area. Authorities are maintaining checkpoints and monitoring routes into northern border zones, while coastal surveillance has been reinforced to prevent attempts by sea.
The National Security, Auxiliary Forces and Royal Gendarmerie are participating alongside the Royal Armed Forces in areas falling under their respective jurisdictions.
Local and rights sources told Hespress earlier Wednesday that no significant collective movement of Moroccan migrants or minors had been detected so far, although limited movements involving migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were observed.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi said Wednesday, Aug. 12, that authorities were “closely monitoring the situation” and had taken all necessary measures to prevent illegal crossings and intercept participants.
The ministry has also announced arrests of people suspected of promoting the Aug. 15 calls online, with judicial investigations opened under prosecutors’ supervision.
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