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The city of Fnideq and surrounding areas are under an unprecedented security alert (as of 10 p.m. on Sunday) as security personnel from various Moroccan cities have been deployed in response to social media calls to gather, cross the border, and head to Ceuta on Sunday, September 15.
On Monday, security authorities in Tetouan arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of spreading false information and content inciting irregular migration through online platforms.
In the past two days, hundreds of migrants, including those from sub-Saharan Africa, have flocked to Fnideq and its outskirts. This morning, clashes erupted between these migrants and public forces, who have increased their presence at the Ceuta crossing, the Belionch forests, the entire border with Ceuta, and various neighborhoods in Fnideq.
Some sources confirm that public forces have resorted to arresting several suspects and deporting them to distant cities by bus. Checkpoints have also been reinforced along the roads leading to Fnideq. Additionally, the body of a young man, whose identity remains unknown, was recovered this morning after he attempted to cross into Ceuta by swimming. His body has been taken to the morgue at Tetouan Regional Hospital for identification.
Hightened security across the border
Across the border, members of the Spanish Civil Guard and National Police have increased their deployment along the border strip, using helicopters to monitor the border fence.
The central government delegation in Ceuta confirmed on Sunday the decision to «intermittently close» the Trajal border, stating that it was made in «full cooperation» with the Moroccan government, which has been working alongside Spanish authorities to control irregular migration.
Juan Vivas, president of the autonomous city, tried to reassure the public, calling for calm amidst the «tense and complex situation on the border due to the attempts to enter from Morocco planned for Sunday via social media». He emphasized the importance of trusting the security forces on both sides of the border, who are working diligently to prevent any adverse incidents.
Local media reported that «the situation is under control thanks to the deployment of Moroccan security forces intervening to prevent entry». However, they highlighted that «these people are still scattered in the mountains and will continue to try to cross into our city by any means».
Meanwhile, the «Justice for Civil Guard» association urged Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to «demand more cooperation from Morocco in border control and combating drug and human trafficking gangs». The association stressed that Spain has a «constitutional duty» to protect its borders, criticizing the «lack of resources and support» for security forces. They cited countries like Germany, Italy, Poland, and Hungary, which have «adopted firm policies to reject migrants who do not meet the conditions for legal entry», emphasizing that Spain «cannot be left behind».
