Morocco strikes near Ceuta, Spain reinforces border

31.07.2026 09:02 HotInfo

Moroccan security forces used tear gas and water cannons at the border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to disperse a crowd that had gathered near the border. The tension is linked to a migration crisis, during which thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco without authorization on Wednesday and Thursday, most of them by sea. svet.sme.sk ↗

In response, Spanish authorities announced they would strengthen security in the area. Soldiers, diving teams, and coast guard vessels are to be sent to Ceuta. Local authorities described the situation as chaotic and requested assistance, including emergency measures. Spain's Ministry of the Interior stated that it would ensure the protection of residents as well as the state border. teraz.sk ↗

The tension also spread to the second Spanish enclave in North Africa, Melilla. Police there intervened against attempts to illegally cross the Spanish-Moroccan border, and gunfire was heard near the only border crossing. According to the local administration, the border crossing remained closed. svet.sme.sk ↗

The European Commission declared its readiness to provide more substantial support to Spain in managing the situation in Ceuta. Assistance could include additional funding, technical support, and the deployment of relevant European instruments. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is in contact with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, with further developments depending on the situation at the border and the capacities of Spanish security forces. aktuality.sk ↗

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