Rabat – New reports said Spain’s Civil Guard is now installing a new maritime barrier along Melilla’s breakwater in anticipation of mass crossings to the Spanish enclave.
The measure is similar to what Spanish authorities placed in Ceuta following the mass arrival of migrants who swam from Morocco in late July.
Spanish reports claimed the number of those who entered Ceuta is estimated at 70,000 and 80,000 on July 30.
Morocco’s assessment indicates the number of those who headed to Ceuta is 40,000 and those who headed to Melilla is more than 1,000.
Europa Press quoted sources from the Civil Guard Command in Melilla who said that implementing the new maritime infrastructure “requires several stages of placement and anchoring.”
The report said authorities have not provided any estimate of the time that will be required for the new measure’s installation.
The decision comes amid an ongoing campaign, inciting mass crossings to the enclaves on August 15.
Both Spain and Morocco are strengthening their borders and have vowed to monitor the messages circulated online.
On Wednesday, Morocco’s Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of several people suspected of inciting attempts to carry out a mass illegal crossing to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on August 15.
A statement from the ministry’s spokesperson confirmed that authorities have monitored the circulation of anonymous posts and messages on certain social media platforms.
Morocco said that the security authorities’ readiness is not linked to any specific date but rather forms part of a continuous vigilance system that is constantly reinforced and adapted according to developments in the situation and the nature of the risks identified.
