Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish sovereign waters off Ceuta without permission following a mass border crossing in late July.
- Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish waters off Ceuta without permission after a mass migrant crossing in late July.
- More than 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish North African enclave, triggering a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis.
- Spanish media reported that Moroccan warships were intercepted by a Spanish frigate to repel them from the area.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez downplayed the incident, calling it isolated and emphasizing continued cooperation between the two navies.
The maritime incursions occurred after more than 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the North African enclave of Ceuta, creating an ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic crisis.
Morocco's navy ships navigate Spanish waters near Ceuta during border crisis
Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that at least one frigate and several patrol boats from the Royal Moroccan Navy sailed through Spanish waters without requesting authorization.
The publication stated that a Spanish frigate intercepted the Moroccan warships to repel them from the area.
Speaking to state broadcaster TVE, Prime Minister Sanchez downplayed the standoff as an isolated event.
TVE quoted Sanchez as saying, "We must acknowledge that, between two neighbouring countries, such isolated incidents do occur.
Sanchez added that "cooperation between the navies remains smooth, regardless of that incident," emphasizing the importance of bilateral ties.
Spain and Morocco strain over migration policies and enclave sovereignty
Tensions between Spain and Morocco remain elevated ahead of Spain's early general elections on November 29.
The standoff also precedes a planned visit by Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia to Ceuta, an enclave over which Rabat claims sovereignty alongside Melilla.
Disagreements over migration management continue to strain relations between the two nations.
Morocco's King Mohammed recently criticized the migration cooperation model with Spain as "obsolete," pointing to Spanish court rulings that prevent the repatriation of asylum seekers and minors.