Spanish Intelligence Admits Failure to Gauge Ceuta Migration Wave

Spanish intelligence services have acknowledged a significant failure in assessing the magnitude of the migration crisis that unfolded at the Ceuta border. Sources close to security services revealed to the newspaper ABC that the scale of the mass movement of people toward the Spanish enclave in North Africa was not adequately anticipated.

The situation escalated following a Supreme Court ruling stating that migrants intercepted at sea could not be immediately returned to Morocco. This decision quickly circulated on Moroccan social media, sparking calls for mass border crossings. Reports indicate that approximately 200 individuals attempted to swim to Spanish territory daily near the El Tarajal border crossing. The success of initial groups emboldened further attempts, exacerbated by rumors that the El Tarajal crossing was open.

Intelligence sources described the event as an example of "hybrid warfare," noting that the operation was organized relatively openly via social media. Moroccan media accessed a WhatsApp group named Hajma, meaning "attack" or "raid," which facilitated these calls. Messages within the group, reportedly managed by an individual with an Algerian international dialing code, even suggested shifting plans to cross into Melilla.

While some participants sought better lives in Europe, police sources suggest others viewed the event as a challenge or an opportunity to incite unrest. Spanish intelligence also suggested that Moroccan counterparts failed to provide timely warnings, despite Morocco's extensive network of local sources capable of monitoring movements and relaying information.

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The situation in Ceuta has become complicated due to increased surveillance.