Spain Investigates Possible Mass Migrant Crossing Into Ceuta on Aug 15
Spain’s Civil Guard says the online campaign has reached groups with more than 400,000 members and may mobilize a mass crossing.
- On Tuesday, WhatsApp and Facebook messages coordinated a mass migration attempt toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta scheduled for August 15, with hundreds of posts encouraging youth to travel from across Morocco.
- Investigation by fact-checking organization Maldita identified 10 groups with 422,560 members discussing the crossing, reflecting escalating border security pressures as one specific group grew by more than 6,000 members in the past week.
- While users share logistics for travel from Marrakesh and Agadir, many express skepticism, warning that 'the sea is no laughing matter' and estimating the probability of success is 'no more than 1%'.
- Trafficking gangs may exploit the influx by selling spots on small boats, with security analysts warning that rumors function as a lure to draw migrants toward Ceuta seeking entry to Spain.
- Debates continue among Moroccans regarding the crossing's feasibility, with observers emphasizing that most young people will not reach Ceuta, reflecting a reality where digital hype clashes with border security.
72 Articles
72 Articles
The Unified Association of Spanish Military Personnel (AUME) has called on the Ministry of Defense to reinforce the preparedness of units deployed in Ceuta in anticipation of a possible new mass migrant entry attempt on August 15, following calls to gather near the border circulating on social media. Read more
Meanwhile, Spanish authorities are investigating messages circulating on Moroccan social media encouraging another mass border violation.
After the entry of several thousand migrants into the Spanish enclave at the end of July, online communities relayed calls for a new attempt. In these groups, which "CheckNews" was able to consult, the logistics organization is surrounded by many false information.
Spain concerned over possible Ceuta migrant crossing on 15 August
A report by Spain's Civil Guard said that an active online campaign exists with the potential to mobilise people, but whether it will actually result in a mass crossing, how many people would be involved, and who is behind it all remain unknown.
The Spanish Guardia Civil fears that a large number of people might attempt to land at Ceuta again. Police sources say the situation on social media is being closely monitored and that August 15 has been mentioned as a possible date for a new mass influx. This is ‘much more than a rumor,’ says a Guardia Civil source, according to the news site 20 Minutos.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
