Morocco Bolsters Border Security After Calls for New Migrant Surge

Morocco announced on Wednesday that it has strengthened security along its borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, responding to fresh social media appeals urging migrants to attempt mass crossings. The move comes weeks after tens of thousands of people rushed the border in late July.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that "all necessary measures have been taken" to prevent any new "illegal crossing attempt," describing the heightened monitoring as part of a "system of continuous vigilance" near both border posts. The ministry did not disclose the number of personnel deployed or the equipment involved.

Social media videos show hundreds of riot police, water cannons, and ambulances positioned on the Moroccan side of the border. Local reports also indicate that equipment for deploying tear gas and stun grenades has been brought to the area.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, visiting Ceuta, warned that any new attempt at mass entry would be treated as "an aggression against Spain as a whole." She stressed that "what happened cannot happen again." Spain's Civil Guard has also insisted the border remains closed, posting a message in French and Spanish that reads: "Neither the border with Spain is open; nor will it be. There are new containment barriers. If you cross them, you will be returned."

The latest calls for a rush on Ceuta's border are circulating on Saturday, though their origin remains unclear. Similar appeals last month, fueled by economic hardship and false rumors of an open border, led to an estimated 72,000 migrants attempting to enter the city. At least 80 people died during that attempt, according to official figures, though human rights groups report higher numbers.

Moroccan authorities have also arrested and are investigating "a group of people suspected of carrying out incitement activities" linked to the online calls. The Interior Ministry did not provide further details.