Morocco facilitated the sudden influx of 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Western intelligence sources suspect. Sources told The Telegraph that the surge could have served as a punishment amid diplomatic frustrations with Spain.
Moroccan officials are believed to be frustrated with Pedro Sánchez, the socialist prime minister of Spain, over his pursuit of gas deals with rival Algeria.
Morocco previously funnelled 8,000 people into Ceuta in 2021 following a dispute with Madrid over the sovereignty of the Western Sahara, which preceded a sudden policy change in Spain.
Ceuta was overrun by entire families swimming, climbing and storming across the border during a chaotic 48 hours on Thursday and Friday. At least 57 people died, either by drowning or being crushed at the border fence.
The scenes plunged Europe into crisis, with leaders threatening to freeze Spain out of free movement and impose border controls.
The Trump administration, meanwhile, rounded on the Left-wing Spanish government for what it called a weak stance on migration. » | Rozina Sabur National Security Editor. James Crisp Europe Editor. Joe Barnes Diplomatic Editor. Antonio Sempere in Ceuta | Friday, July 31, 2026
