Morocco's interior ministry has monitored anonymous posts and messages calling for joint attempts to illegally enter the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
According to the ministry, calls circulating on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook urge mass crossings into the enclaves on 15 August.
The ministry described these calls as 'suspicious and misleading' and urged the population not to follow them.
A spokesperson for the ministry warned that anyone attempting to participate in the planned gatherings will be prevented or arrested and could face judicial proceedings.
Morocco has arrested a group of people suspected of inciting these new attempts, though the ministry did not provide details on the profiles or when the arrests took place.
Legal warnings and regional cooperation
The interior ministry stated that incitement to illegal entry is punishable under Moroccan law and that legal proceedings will be initiated against those spreading such calls online.
Authorities said they have taken all necessary measures to prevent illegal border crossings.
The ministry stressed that fighting irregular migration and human trafficking networks requires closer cooperation between the affected countries.
Morocco has called on Spain to accelerate procedures for the return of unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently in Ceuta to their families, noting that administrative and legal obstacles must be removed to preserve the welfare of children.
The ministry renewed its demand for a mechanism enabling immediate returns, stating that previous experience showed its effectiveness in supporting ground operations.
Discrepancies in July surge data
The recent surge in Ceuta in late July, during which people reportedly entered by land or by swimming, reportedly created a shockwave on both sides of the Mediterranean.
There are conflicting reports regarding the number of arrivals during the late-July surge. The Spanish government reported around 80,000 people entered the enclave, while the Spanish Guardia Civil reported more than 70,000 arrivals.
Morocco's own figures placed the number of arrivals in the late-July surge at approximately 40,000.
Reported number of deaths during the late-July surge by a Spanish NGO
Death tolls from the late-July crossings also remain disputed. A Spanish NGO reported that at least 141 people drowned, while other reports cited 83 deaths.
International response
Austrian Minister for Europe Claudia Bauer called on Spain to significantly strengthen border protection in its African enclaves.
Madrid has created a mega-magnet itself.
Bauer stated that false reports on social media and smugglers have multiplied the attraction and that it must be clarified whether geopolitical actors fueled the crisis.
This dangerous dynamic is not over.
Bauer added that Spain must massively upgrade border protection to ensure it holds.
