Thousands Maintain Pressure on Ceuta Border Amidst Escalating Migratory Crisis

Thousands of individuals are maintaining pressure on the border of Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa, despite Morocco's reinforcement of security measures. This ongoing influx has led to sporadic outbreaks of violence, marking the most severe bilateral migratory crisis since 2021, which has already claimed at least 18 lives. Moroccan authorities have intensified controls in recent hours to alleviate pressure on the border. However, thousands of people, predominantly young men, have sought refuge in nearby hills and have resorted to throwing stones at security forces. The situation has resulted in isolated incidents of violence, including the burning of a bus near the border crossing, though no casualties were reported in that specific event.

Moroccan auxiliary forces have not prevented a continuous flow of people towards the Ceuta jetty by sea, circumventing the coast. This maritime route represents one of the final obstacles for those attempting to reach Spanish territory. While security forces work to clear the areas near the Ceuta border, waves of young people have managed to bypass road controls during the early morning hours. These controls are stationed a kilometer away from the border fence. The problem has also extended to Melilla, another Spanish enclave in North Africa, where the Beni Enzar border crossing, the only operational one between Spain and Morocco in the city, remains closed due to attempts at irregular entry by migrants.

Rabat and Madrid have announced that migrants who have entered Spanish territory irregularly will be returned to Morocco. However, this announcement has not eased the tension. Although Rabat has implemented controls at public transport stations and on roads to prevent an increase in the flow of people towards Tangier, Castillejos, and other northern towns, many young people are still attempting to reach their destination, even walking dozens of kilometers through forests. The town of Fnideq (Castillejos) is currently occupied by young people who have tried or aspire to cross into Ceuta in the coming hours. Past midnight, many were rushing to buy floats in the old medina, prepared to launch themselves into the sea as soon as possible, taking advantage of the warm weather and dense fog.

The city is overwhelmed, with restaurants and cafes closing earlier than usual due to fears of disturbances. Traveling by car has become nearly impossible due to monumental traffic jams caused by the chaos and road closures. A police source stated, "We have cleared the area closest to the border. We will continue to advance to clear everything tonight." This prospect does not deter individuals like Hadiya, who arrived in Castillejos with her daughters after seeing "on the phone an aviso" (a notice or warning), suggesting a perceived opportunity or information about crossing.