Spain investigates online calls for mass crossing into Ceuta next week

Madrid, Aug 6 (KUNA) -- Spanish media reported on Thursday that Spanish security forces are reviewing calls circulating on social media urging a new mass crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on August 15. The Spanish news agency, EFE, stated on its official website that relevant authorities have been monitoring posts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for several days, which include calls to gather in preparation for a new attempted mass crossing. It added that investigations are also underway to determine the source of these messages and whether they are part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. The agency noted that the Spanish Civil Guard is circulating a document indicating that the risk of a new crossing attempt is “real,” although its scale remains “uncertain,” while confirming that authorities have strengthened precautionary measures.

For his part, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that people should not be swayed by “misinformation,” stressing that irregular entry into Ceuta or Melilla “does not grant the right to remain in Spain or to move to the rest of Europe.”

Last week, Ceuta witnessed its largest wave of migrant crossings in its history, with 72,000 migrants entering irregularly from Morocco, according to data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, which confirmed that 70,000 of them were returned to Morocco within 48 hours. This prompted Madrid to deploy military units, reinforce security forces, and install floating barriers along the maritime border. Meanwhile, 80 people lost their lives in attempts to reach the Spanish city. (End) H.N.D./F.A.S.