Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has confirmed that Moroccan warships entered Spanish territorial waters near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta without authorization, following the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco.
Sánchez sought to downplay the incident, describing it as an isolated occurrence and emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relations between Madrid and Rabat.
According to El País, which cited anonymous sources, at least one frigate and several patrol vessels belonging to the Royal Moroccan Navy entered Spanish territorial waters after more than 72,000 migrants reportedly crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in late July.
The newspaper reported that a Spanish frigate had to intercept the Moroccan vessels and escort them out of the area.
“We must acknowledge that such isolated incidents can occur between two neighbouring countries,” Sánchez was quoted as saying by Spanish television.
“We are neighbours. Those days were tense, but cooperation between our military navies remains normal despite this incident,” he added, describing relations between Spain and Morocco as “very important.”
The reported naval incursion followed a major migration crisis that triggered humanitarian and diplomatic concerns and heightened political tensions in Spain, which is preparing for snap parliamentary elections in November.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are expected to visit Ceuta, a move that could generate further tensions with Rabat. Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish-administered enclaves on the North African coast.
Last Friday, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said the existing model of cooperation with Spain on migration had reached its limits. He also criticized Spanish judicial decisions, arguing that they obstruct the repatriation of unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers.
Although most of the migrants who arrived during the crisis were returned to Morocco, thousands reportedly remain in Spanish territory.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between migration management, maritime security and diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
