Ceuta border security was reinforced on Saturday as Spain and Morocco increased deployments following social media calls for a mass attempt to enter the Spanish North African exclave.
A reporter on the ground observed a calm scene at the main crossing during the morning, and Spanish media from the enclave reported similarly quiet conditions.
Officials in both countries are seeking to avoid a repeat of late July, when, by various estimates, as many as 80,000 people attempted to force their way into Ceuta.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska recently emphasized that the late-July episode was a one-off that would not be repeated.
Earlier this week, Morocco’s Interior Ministry said it had arrested individuals accused of encouraging further attempts to enter the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla unlawfully.
Appeals on social media urged mass crossings on August 15, though the ministry said all necessary steps had been taken to prevent illegal movement.
Ceuta border security: razor wire, water cannons and patrol boats
Security was markedly tightened in recent days, especially on the Moroccan side, according to Spanish public media. Authorities installed extra barriers of barbed and razor wire around the border town of Fnideq.
Patrol boats are now monitoring the coastline and water cannons are positioned at the frontier. Numerous checkpoints have been placed along access roads, the broadcaster reported.
On the Spanish side, 880 National Police officers are deployed in Ceuta, an increase of 270 since the end of July. They are supported by about 2,000 soldiers and 700 Guardia Civil officers.
Return to normality will take time
On July 30, tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta, many by swimming, and dozens died in the attempt.
Spain’s latest official update says 83 bodies have been recovered from the sea. Non-governmental organizations estimate the death toll is well above 100.
Most of those who arrived returned to Morocco within hours or days, according to the Spanish government.
Grande-Marlaska said about 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta and acknowledged that a full return to normality in the enclave will take time.