Morocco, Spain Strengthen Security Cooperation to Curb Irregular Migration to Ceuta

Morocco World

5 days ago

Rabat– In response to a sharp spike in irregular migration attempts toward Ceuta, Moroccan and Spanish authorities have significantly ramped up their joint security operations in recent days, according to El Mundo.
The Spanish outlet reports that Morocco has deployed an unprecedented array of ground and maritime resources along its northern coastline, focusing on intercepting makeshift boats and preventing migrants—many of them unaccompanied minors—from reaching the Spanish enclave.
This enhanced cooperation comes amid growing pressure on Ceuta's borders. Over the weekend, despite the tightened security measures, several migrants attempted to cross. Three youths reportedly reached Spanish territory briefly before being apprehended and swiftly returned to Morocco.
Spanish Civil Guard sources cited by El Mundo highlighted the effectiveness of coordination with Morocco's Royal Gendarmerie, particularly at the maritime border near the Tarajal crossing point—Ceuta's primary entry zone. Since early Saturday, Moroccan authorities have deployed nine patrol boats to maintain 24/7 surveillance, a move credited with foiling all nighttime crossing attempts that day.
In support of the joint effort, Spain's Interior Ministry dispatched a maritime vessel to strengthen the Civil Guard's presence in Ceuta.
On Sunday morning, however, several youths exploited heavy fog to launch a new wave of sea crossings. While most were intercepted and turned back by Moroccan forces, approximately 50 minors and 30 adults reached Ceuta. They were immediately attended to by the Civil Guard before being handed back to Moroccan authorities after receiving first aid.
This renewed migratory pressure reflects broader instability across the Western Mediterranean. As both nations work to avoid another border crisis, they remain committed to upholding bilateral agreements and enhancing real-time coordination to manage migration flows.