A new mass border crossing attempt took place at the Morocco–Ceuta border in northwestern Africa on Saturday, August 15, as hundreds of people attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave following calls that had been circulating on social media. Newly released footage shows large groups of people running through streets, hills, and mountainous terrain toward the Ceuta border fence.
Read also: Ceuta: Online messages claiming open borders on August 15 spark new alert
The mobilization prompted an immediate response from Moroccan and Spanish authorities, who had already reinforced their presence in the area after receiving warnings of a possible new mass crossing attempt. According to local reports, Moroccan authorities carried out approximately 300 arrests of individuals who allegedly attempted to approach the border.
Thousands of migrants again attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta
The new attempt came just two weeks after the previous mass influx of migrants. pic.twitter.com/lPhw9yf3kl
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 16, 2026
Large police forces were deployed in the area, including riot control units, vehicles, and ambulances, as authorities took measures to prevent a new mass crossing attempt. Meanwhile, Spain reinforced security at Ceuta with approximately 500 additional Guardia Civil officers deployed to the region.
Spanish authorities had issued warnings via social media stating that the border remains closed, urging people not to be misled by information circulating online.
Ceuta: A timeline of the deadly events of July 30
The new tensions came approximately two weeks after the dramatic events of July 30, when thousands of people attempted to reach Ceuta — some by swimming and others by crossing via the breakwater.
According to Spanish authorities, the previous surge had been fueled by false information spreading on social media claiming that the border was about to open.
The attempt had a tragic outcome, with at least 145 people losing their lives, while human rights organizations have suggested the actual death toll may be even higher.
Following the July 30 events, Madrid and Rabat significantly stepped up security measures around both Ceuta and Melilla — the two Spanish cities in northern Africa that represent the European Union’s only land borders with the African continent.
