Ceuta border on high alert over social media calls for mass crossing

Spanish and Moroccan security services remain on high alert around the North African enclave of Ceuta amid reports that social media campaigns are encouraging another mass border crossing.

The heightened security presence follows a late-July surge when tens of thousands attempted to cross into Ceuta after false rumors circulated on online platforms. Casualty estimates from that earlier incident vary across reports, ranging between 72 drownings and more than 100 fatalities. Hundreds of migrants remain stranded on local beaches, placing municipal services under sustained pressure.

To prevent further incidents, Moroccan authorities announced arrests targeting suspects accused of orchestrating coordinated entries into Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish officials have reinforced perimeter fencing, recalled military personnel from leave, and intensified police patrols along the border.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.