Charges and Tear Gas: Rabat Blocks Hundreds of Migrants Heading to Ceuta

Moroccan forces successfully prevented hundreds of sub-Saharan migrants from reaching the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on August 15, employing crowd control measures including police charges and tear gas. The migrants had gathered on hillsides near the coastal city of Fnideq, attempting to breach the security cordon.

While the immediate assault was thwarted, resulting in several detentions and a tense standoff, no injuries were reported. The situation remained under control on the Moroccan side, though a palpable sense of danger persisted among residents in Ceuta, just a couple of kilometers away.

Spanish authorities have reinforced their security presence in Ceuta, deploying a significant number of national police, Guardia Civil officers, and riot control units. Additionally, specialists are present to process potential international protection requests from any migrants who might reach the enclave. Around 2,000 army soldiers are also mobilized.

On the Moroccan side, approximately 5,000 agents were stationed at the border. Despite Rabat's effective action in stopping the migrants, the expulsion of Spanish journalists from the Efe news agency and public broadcaster TVE from Fnideq without explanation has strained relations between Morocco and Madrid. The journalists were reportedly ordered to leave immediately or face confiscation of their press credentials and equipment.