Morocco Thwarts Migrant Attempt to Storm Ceuta, European Media Report

European newspapers highlighted Morocco's successful strategy of "proactive prevention" in thwarting a new attempt by sub-Saharan migrants to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Times of London noted Morocco's shift from previous responses, describing the new measures as a "preventative approach" to block border access. This involved deploying security forces, equipment, and checkpoints, alongside continued Spanish vigilance. The newspaper linked these actions to efforts to prevent the use of sea routes, which were exploited during a previous wave in July.

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Morocco worked to change compared to the previous attempt, as it describes the new measures as a preventative approach to prevent access to the border.

The security deployment was characterized as a "show of force" that deterred a second wave towards Ceuta. Moroccan police reportedly blocked the migrants near the town of Fnideq, using riot control units, barriers, and checkpoints. The migrants were then transported away by bus. This contrasted sharply with the events of late July, with Morocco deploying hundreds of riot police, water cannons, barbed wire, and multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the border.

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Morocco has become the first line of defense for the European border at this point.

Spanish newspaper Mundiario stated that Morocco now acts as the "first line of defense" for the European border at this point. It emphasized Rabat's ability to contain movements before they reach Ceuta, making Morocco crucial to Madrid's strategy for managing migration pressure on Ceuta and Melilla. El País also reported a significant Moroccan security presence around Fnideq to prevent groups from approaching the border, noting that Moroccan authorities intercepted 111 individuals and arrested 61.

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A new attempt by migrants to cross was thwarted in Ceuta.

Le Parisien reported that "a new attempt by migrants to cross was thwarted in Ceuta," with Rabat describing the situation as "incomparable" to the mass influx in late July. German outlet Tagesschau observed that both Spain and Morocco had prepared "very strongly" for a potential new influx due to rumors circulating on social media. While arrests were made on the Moroccan side, the "chaos feared, as happened at the end of July, was completely absent."

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Spain and Morocco prepared very strongly for a potential new influx toward Ceuta due to rumors circulating on social media.