The Moroccan authorities have mobilized all necessary resources to prevent any illegal attempts to cross into Ceuta and Melilla, intercepting individuals involved in such activities. This was announced in Rabat by Rachid El Khalfi, spokesperson for Morocco’s Ministry of Interior, after detecting recent social media posts and anonymous messages calling for a mass border crossing on August 15.

In a press briefing, Mr. El Khalfi confirmed that security forces have already detained a group of individuals suspected of inciting these actions. The detainees are undergoing legal proceedings under the supervision of the competent prosecutor’s office. The Interior Ministry has warned that these calls pose “serious risks to public safety” and constitute a criminal offense under the law, with legal consequences for both participants and organizers of such online campaigns.

Ongoing and Unrestricted Surveillance

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that the operational capacity of security services, coordinated by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), is not limited to a specific timeframe but operates under a framework of continuous and unrestricted surveillance, particularly in areas adjacent to the border crossings of Ceuta and Melilla. This system is constantly reinforced and adapted based on evolving threats and field assessments.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid misleading instructions, and refrain from participating in activities that endanger lives. They reiterated that combating irregular migration is conducted strictly in accordance with the law.

Call for Shared Responsibility with Spain

The official statement underscored that addressing irregular migration and human trafficking requires a “shared responsibility” approach, which cannot fall solely on one nation.

In this context, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior has called on Spanish authorities, within the framework of existing bilateral cooperation, to fulfill their commitments by expediting the return of unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta to their families in Morocco. The ministry urged Madrid to overcome administrative and judicial obstacles delaying these repatriations while prioritizing the best interests of the minors.

Additionally, Rabat reaffirmed the centrality of the “immediate repatriation” mechanism, highlighting its proven effectiveness in previous operations to strengthen border interventions.

The Interior Ministry assured that Moroccan authorities will continue to enforce their duties with firmness and responsibility to uphold public order and safety. This includes maintaining high levels of preparedness and constant coordination while fully adhering to legal provisions.