Morocco says it has thwarted a new attempt to reach Ceuta by hundreds of migrants.

Marrakech authorities have expelled Spanish journalists from the state-run news agency EFE and public broadcaster TVE from the border town of Castillejos following efforts to prevent a new wave of unauthorized migration attempts into Ceuta, according to security sources cited by EFE. The move comes amid heightened tensions along the heavily guarded frontier between Morocco and Spain, where both sides have increased their security presence ahead of reports of mass migration attempts scheduled for Saturday. Security forces in Morocco reportedly thwarted a fresh attempt by hundreds of migrants to cross illegally into Ceuta earlier this weekend. These individuals had been hiding near the outskirts of Castillejos, a key area adjacent to the border with Spain. Despite these efforts, the situation remained calm in El Tarajal, a nearby district, by mid-morning. However, the level of security around the border crossing was significantly higher than in previous days, with more police and military personnel deployed throughout the surrounding areas to establish a secure perimeter. The border region of Melilla has also experienced similar developments, with a noticeable increase in police activity despite no major incidents being reported. Both Spanish and Moroccan authorities have reinforced their positions on either side of the border in response to calls made through social media urging large numbers of migrants to attempt entry into Ceuta on Saturday. This follows a surge two weeks ago, during which over 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming local resources and leaving approximately 5,000 undocumented migrants stranded in the city's streets, unable to be accommodated. The recent influx of migrants has placed immense pressure on Ceuta’s infrastructure and services, leading to ongoing challenges for local authorities. With no immediate resolution in sight, the city continues to grapple with the consequences of the unprecedented flow of people seeking asylum or better living conditions in Europe. The situation highlights the persistent issue of irregular migration flows across the Strait of Gibraltar, which has long been a focal point of international concern due to its strategic location and the humanitarian challenges it presents. The expulsion of Spanish journalists from Castillejos underscores the growing sensitivity of the situation and the potential diplomatic implications of continued migration pressures. While Moroccan officials have not officially commented on the specific reasons behind the decision to remove the journalists, the action suggests a desire to control the narrative surrounding the border crisis. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities remain focused on managing the influx of migrants and ensuring the safety and security of their citizens along the border. Both countries have maintained a delicate balance in their bilateral relations, particularly regarding migration management. Recent cooperation has included joint operations aimed at preventing human trafficking and ensuring the safe return of migrants who have entered Spain illegally. However, the current escalation in migration attempts raises questions about the effectiveness of existing measures and whether further collaboration will be necessary to address the underlying causes of the crisis. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the immediate actions taken by both nations to manage the flow of migrants and maintain order along the border. The continued presence of large numbers of undocumented migrants in Ceuta poses logistical and humanitarian challenges that require coordinated responses from all parties involved. Local communities, too, are affected, with residents expressing concerns about the impact on daily life and the strain on public services. The latest developments indicate that the migration crisis is far from resolved, and the need for sustained efforts to find sustainable solutions remains pressing. As the week progresses, the movements of migrants and the responses of authorities will continue to shape the dynamics of one of the most sensitive borders in Europe.