Morocco Tightens Ceuta, Melilla Borders Ahead Of Fresh August 15 Crossing Calls

Morocco has tightened security along its borders with Spain’s Ceuta and Melilla after social media users called for another mass crossing on August 15, raising fears of a repeat of last month’s deadly rush.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry said it had taken all necessary measures to stop any new illegal crossing attempt. Security has been increased around both border areas, and authorities have arrested people suspected of encouraging the crossings online. Officials have not said how many people were detained.

Videos shared online show Moroccan police in riot gear, water cannons and ambulances near the border. Reports also say checkpoints, helicopters and other security measures have been added in areas around Ceuta. More than 20,000 Moroccan security personnel are reportedly deployed around the Ceuta border each day.

The new calls have spread mainly through WhatsApp and Facebook, with messages telling people to gather on August 15. Some posts falsely claim Spain will open the border that day. Spanish fact checkers have rejected that claim, saying normal border controls will remain in place.

Spain has also stepped up security. Defence Minister Margarita Robles, who visited Ceuta, warned that another mass entry must not happen. Spain’s Civil Guard said the border is closed and warned people not to trust online messages promising easy entry.

The fresh alert follows the huge crossing in late July, when around 72,000 migrants entered or attempted to enter Ceuta. Many were driven by economic hardship, while false online claims and suspected people-smuggling networks helped fuel the rush. At least 96 people died, according to the latest figures cited by Reuters.

The crisis has also led to wider political tension. Morocco has again raised its long-standing claim over Ceuta and Melilla, while Spain has rejected any talks over their sovereignty, calling the territories an integral part of the country.

The European Union has also faced pressure to strengthen its border support for Spain after the July crisis. Meanwhile, Meta and TikTok have agreed to increase fact-checking of content linked to dangerous border crossings.

Ceuta and Melilla are the EU’s only land borders with Africa. With August 15 approaching, Morocco and Spain remain on high alert to prevent another mass and potentially deadly crossing.