Spain and Morocco have beefed up security at the border with the Spanish exclave of Ceuta following calls on social media for another mass influx of migrants into the North African territory on Saturday.
However, a dpa reporter observed calm at the border crossing in Ceuta during the morning. State broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media outlets from the exclave reported the same.
Authorities in both countries want to prevent a repeat of the events at the end of July, when, according to various estimates, up to 80,000 migrants stormed Ceuta.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska recently reiterated that this was a one-time event that will not be repeated.
A few days ago, the Moroccan Interior Ministry announced the arrest of a group of people suspected of inciting further attempts to illegally enter the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Calls for mass crossings on August 15 were circulating on social media. However, the ministry stated that all necessary measures had been taken to prevent illegal movements.
Razor wire, water cannons and patrol boats
Security measures were significantly tightened in recent days, particularly on the Moroccan side of the border, RTVE reported. Authorities erected additional barriers made of barbed and razor wire in the border town of Fnideq.
Patrol boats are monitoring the coast and water cannons are stationed at the border. Numerous checkpoints were also set up on access roads, RTVE reported.
Meanwhile, 880 officers of the Spanish National Police are now deployed in Ceuta, 270 more than at the end of July. They are supported by approximately 2,000 soldiers and 700 officers of the Guardia Civil.
Return to normality will take time
On July 30, tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta, mostly by swimming, with dozens dying in the attempt.
According to the latest official statement from Madrid, 83 bodies have been recovered from the sea, while NGOs estimate the death toll to be well over 100.
Most of the arrivals returned to Morocco within a few hours or days, according to the Spanish government.
Spanish Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska stated that approximately 5,000 migrants are currently still in Ceuta. The minister acknowledged that it will take some time before a return to complete normality in the exclave is achieved.