Moroccan security forces deployed a large operation near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Saturday to stop a new mass crossing attempt by migrants, detaining at least 61 people, according to TN.
The operation unfolded on August 15, 2026, as groups of migrants tried to reach Spanish territory. TN reports that Moroccan authorities moved quickly to block the attempt, with some outlets describing a heavy military presence along the border zone.
The crackdown followed a pattern seen in recent days, with multiple news organizations tracking a surge in crossing attempts. La Nación reported that Moroccan forces intercepted hundreds of migrants heading toward Ceuta in what it called another mass effort to enter Spain. Infobae later raised the figure to 148 migrants stopped near the frontier, citing Moroccan authorities.
Clarín noted a shift in Morocco's approach, describing a "firm military cordon" and a change in attitude that helped prevent a larger influx. The enclave, which shares a land border with Morocco, has periodically faced waves of migrants attempting to enter European Union territory.
The detentions mark the latest in a series of incidents around Ceuta, where border pressure has fluctuated in recent years. TN's report did not specify where the detained migrants were taken or whether any injuries occurred during the operation.
What to watch next: whether Moroccan authorities sustain this tougher stance and how Spain responds to continued pressure on its southern border.
