The project director for North Africa at the International Crisis Group has said that he has seen evidence that the Moroccan state was complicit in the events that saw thousands of migrants flood into the Spanish enclave from the North African country last week.
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Sunday, August 02, 2026
Ceuta: Moroccan State Involved In Migrant Crossings | International Crisis Group Director
Aug 2, 2026 | “We have testimonies by Moroccan migrants who crossed into Ceuta, who said quite openly that Moroccan security forces told them to go into Ceuta and to go to Spain.”
The project director for North Africa at the International Crisis Group has said that he has seen evidence that the Moroccan state was complicit in the events that saw thousands of migrants flood into the Spanish enclave from the North African country last week.
The project director for North Africa at the International Crisis Group has said that he has seen evidence that the Moroccan state was complicit in the events that saw thousands of migrants flood into the Spanish enclave from the North African country last week.
Saturday, August 01, 2026
Spain Says the Crisis in Its Tiny Exclave Ceuta Is Under Control. What Happens Next? | DW News
How 50,000 People Surged Into a Spanish Exclave in Africa
THE NEW YORK TIMES: On Thursday, tens of thousands of Moroccans broke into Ceuta, a Spanish territory that neighbors Morocco. By Friday evening, most of them had left, hungry and disappointed.
Like so many others in Morocco, Mohammed Ahmidho saw on his social media feeds early Thursday that the heavily guarded border his country shared with the Spanish territory of Ceuta was open.
Soon enough, he joined a crowd in the tens of thousands, many of whom were astonished to see Moroccan police urge them, as he recalled, to “come to Spain.” Some climbed over the fence, as he did, or dove through holes in the chain-link, or swam across the maritime border. Some wore wet-suits, sometimes kicking with flippers, or floated to the Spanish coast in orange life preservers, pink inflatable doughnuts around their waists. At least 60 people died in the mayhem.
“A lot of people came,” said Mr. Ahmidho, 37. “A lot.”
He was among roughly 50,000 people who crossed the border into a Spanish town of only 84,000 residents on Thursday and early Friday, according to the Spanish interior ministry. That was a more intense surge than in any equivalent period during the peak of the European migration crisis in 2015.
By Friday morning, the city looked like the emergency that Europe has been trying to avoid since that era of mass migration 11 years ago, the last time so many non-Europeans surged into European-held territory, upended the continent’s politics and spurred the rise of its anti-immigrant right. » | Jason Horowitz | Reporting from Ceuta, Spain | Saturday, August 1, 2026
Like so many others in Morocco, Mohammed Ahmidho saw on his social media feeds early Thursday that the heavily guarded border his country shared with the Spanish territory of Ceuta was open.
Soon enough, he joined a crowd in the tens of thousands, many of whom were astonished to see Moroccan police urge them, as he recalled, to “come to Spain.” Some climbed over the fence, as he did, or dove through holes in the chain-link, or swam across the maritime border. Some wore wet-suits, sometimes kicking with flippers, or floated to the Spanish coast in orange life preservers, pink inflatable doughnuts around their waists. At least 60 people died in the mayhem.
“A lot of people came,” said Mr. Ahmidho, 37. “A lot.”
He was among roughly 50,000 people who crossed the border into a Spanish town of only 84,000 residents on Thursday and early Friday, according to the Spanish interior ministry. That was a more intense surge than in any equivalent period during the peak of the European migration crisis in 2015.
By Friday morning, the city looked like the emergency that Europe has been trying to avoid since that era of mass migration 11 years ago, the last time so many non-Europeans surged into European-held territory, upended the continent’s politics and spurred the rise of its anti-immigrant right. » | Jason Horowitz | Reporting from Ceuta, Spain | Saturday, August 1, 2026
Morocco ‘Facilitated Migrant Crossings’ into Spain
THE TELEGRAPH: Western intelligence suspects north African country helped 60,000 cross into tiny neighbouring territory of Ceuta
Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | Throngs of arrivals swam towards a crowded shore, while others rushed across the land border by taking advantage of weak security | Credit: Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP via Getty Images
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
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
Friday, July 31, 2026
Migrants Storm Spanish Border - What's Happening in Ceuta and Why | BBC News
July 31, 2026 | Tens of thousands of migrants arrived in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta in 24 hours. But how did they get there? And why did they come now?
Here’s what we know about the migrant crossings, as well as the reaction from Spain and beyond.
Here’s what we know about the migrant crossings, as well as the reaction from Spain and beyond.
Thousands of Migrants Try to Enter Spanish Enclave of Ceuta from Morocco | BBC News
July 31, 2026 | About 49,000 migrants have crossed into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in the last 24 hours, officials estimate.
Videos and photos showed thousands of people swimming into the city on Thursday, while local media reported crossings continuing overnight.
This development comes after Spain's Supreme Court ruled this month that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish enclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.
Videos and photos showed thousands of people swimming into the city on Thursday, while local media reported crossings continuing overnight.
This development comes after Spain's Supreme Court ruled this month that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish enclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.
At Least 18 Die as 49,000 People Cross to Spanish Enclave of Ceuta from Morocco
THE GUARDIAN: Some drowned and others caught up in crush, official says, as incident prompts criticism of Spain from France and Italy
Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | People try to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday. Photograph: Antonio Sempere/AP
At least 18 people have died trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after around 49,000 migrants entered the tiny territory from Morocco in a matter of hours, triggering a political crisis for the Madrid government and unleashing a barrage of criticism from other EU countries.
The large influx of people arriving in Ceuta by swimming across from neighbouring Morocco or scaling the high border fence has caught the city of 85,000 off guard and resulted in what one local police association has called a “serious humanitarian crisis”.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez – who is due to visit Ceuta on Friday with the interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska – is under huge pressure from political opponents and other European countries to come up with a swift and comprehensive response.
The latest incident dwarfs the last mass border crossing in May 2021, when 10,000 people entered the territory over the course of two days by taking advantage of a loosening of border controls by Morocco. » | Sam Jones in Madrid and Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, July 31, 2026
Articles on this problem appear in German on this blog here »
THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Live Updates: Spanish Leader Rushes to Ceuta After Thousands of Migrants Burst Into Territory: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was set to arrive in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, amid an escalating crisis for his pro-immigration government. »
What to Know About Ceuta: The peninsula on Morocco’s northern coast that Spain has governed for centuries has been a frequent site of mass migrant crossings and political tensions. »
At least 18 people have died trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after around 49,000 migrants entered the tiny territory from Morocco in a matter of hours, triggering a political crisis for the Madrid government and unleashing a barrage of criticism from other EU countries.
The large influx of people arriving in Ceuta by swimming across from neighbouring Morocco or scaling the high border fence has caught the city of 85,000 off guard and resulted in what one local police association has called a “serious humanitarian crisis”.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez – who is due to visit Ceuta on Friday with the interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska – is under huge pressure from political opponents and other European countries to come up with a swift and comprehensive response.
The latest incident dwarfs the last mass border crossing in May 2021, when 10,000 people entered the territory over the course of two days by taking advantage of a loosening of border controls by Morocco. » | Sam Jones in Madrid and Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, July 31, 2026
Articles on this problem appear in German on this blog here »
THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Live Updates: Spanish Leader Rushes to Ceuta After Thousands of Migrants Burst Into Territory: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was set to arrive in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, amid an escalating crisis for his pro-immigration government. »
What to Know About Ceuta: The peninsula on Morocco’s northern coast that Spain has governed for centuries has been a frequent site of mass migrant crossings and political tensions. »
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Wildfire in Suffolk, UK, Not Yet Under Control, Fire Service Says | BBC News
July 30, 2026 | A UK wildfire the equivalent size of 140 football pitches is not yet under control, the fire service has said.
The blaze broke out on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk on Wednesday, with a major incident declared "due to the size and complexity" of the blaze.
Meanwhile, Greece is also among many European countries facing devastating fires and drought.
Several fires have continued to burn in Spain and Portugal, although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared an end to the national emergency for wildfires in the Ávila and Madrid regions.
In south-west France some residents have been able to return to their homes after a major wildfire in the Gironde region.
The blaze broke out on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk on Wednesday, with a major incident declared "due to the size and complexity" of the blaze.
Meanwhile, Greece is also among many European countries facing devastating fires and drought.
Several fires have continued to burn in Spain and Portugal, although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared an end to the national emergency for wildfires in the Ávila and Madrid regions.
In south-west France some residents have been able to return to their homes after a major wildfire in the Gironde region.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Why European Wildfires Are Spreading Faster Than Ever
Europe Wildfires: France Warns of Worst Crisis "Since WW2” as New Heatwave Looms | BBC News
July 27, 2026 | More than 360,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain as unprecedented wildfires continue to spread.
The French President Emmanuel Macron held crisis talks and said his country was facing its most difficult situation since the Second World War.
Firefighters are still struggling to control the fires, as a new heatwave is forecast to bring further hot, dry conditions that could help fuel the blaze.
The authorities are warning that a major fire which is now just 9 miles from Bordeaux could continue to burn for months.
In Spain, more than 60,000 people have been forced to flee their homes near the capital Madrid.
Fiona Bruce presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gwyn Loader, Justin Rowlatt and Mark Lowen.
The French President Emmanuel Macron held crisis talks and said his country was facing its most difficult situation since the Second World War.
Firefighters are still struggling to control the fires, as a new heatwave is forecast to bring further hot, dry conditions that could help fuel the blaze.
The authorities are warning that a major fire which is now just 9 miles from Bordeaux could continue to burn for months.
In Spain, more than 60,000 people have been forced to flee their homes near the capital Madrid.
Fiona Bruce presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gwyn Loader, Justin Rowlatt and Mark Lowen.
Monday, July 27, 2026
Wildfires: ‘Many Thousands’ of Brits Caught in Spain and France Devastation
Jul 27, 2026 | “The situation remains very, very alarming.”
It’s estimated “many, many thousands” of British tourists and expats have been caught up in the devastating wildfires in Spain and France. The Times’s correspondent in France Adam Sage and The Times’s correspondent in Spain Simon Hunter report.
It’s estimated “many, many thousands” of British tourists and expats have been caught up in the devastating wildfires in Spain and France. The Times’s correspondent in France Adam Sage and The Times’s correspondent in Spain Simon Hunter report.
Pressure Grows on Residents of Southern French City to Flee Wildfires | DW News
Sunday, July 26, 2026
France Battles Fire 'Whirlwinds' as Another 55,000 Evacuated | BBC News
July 26, 2026 | A further 55,000 people have been evacuated from six towns in France, as wildfires which have caused devastation across the country pick up pace.
The most recent evacuations took place in towns to the south of Bordeaux, in the Gironde region.
Wildfires have raged across Europe over the past week, primarily France and Spain, where more than 330,000 people have been evacuated.
The most recent evacuations took place in towns to the south of Bordeaux, in the Gironde region.
Wildfires have raged across Europe over the past week, primarily France and Spain, where more than 330,000 people have been evacuated.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Firefighters in Spain and France Battle Raging Wildfires
Jul 25, 2026 | Footage shows the extent of the devastation caused by wildfires in Cenicientos in the Madrid region of Spain on Friday. Members of Spain's military emergency unit sought to contain the blazes in the Madrid region and in Cuevas de Cañart in the country's north-east.
In France, dozens of firefighters battled flames threatening homes around the towns of Saumos and Sainte-Hélène in the south-west on Friday as a wildfire swept in the nearby forest. The virulence of the wildfires, fuelled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of the climate crisis, caught fire crews and authorities off guard in both countries France and Spain race to control wildfires as more than 250,000 evacuated.
In France, dozens of firefighters battled flames threatening homes around the towns of Saumos and Sainte-Hélène in the south-west on Friday as a wildfire swept in the nearby forest. The virulence of the wildfires, fuelled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of the climate crisis, caught fire crews and authorities off guard in both countries France and Spain race to control wildfires as more than 250,000 evacuated.
Firefighters Battle to Contain France and Spain Wildfires as Thousands Evacuated | BBC News
July 25, 2026 | Firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires raging across Europe.
An evacuation alert for residents in the south-west of France takes the number of people displaced to more than 220,000.
In Spain, about 25,000 were told to evacuate as a local official says that containing wildfires near Madrid is "beyond the capacity" of firefighters.
A major incident has also been declared by Police Scotland, as emergency services continue to tackle a wildfire which has been burning in the Cairngorms National Park for 10 days.
An evacuation alert for residents in the south-west of France takes the number of people displaced to more than 220,000.
In Spain, about 25,000 were told to evacuate as a local official says that containing wildfires near Madrid is "beyond the capacity" of firefighters.
A major incident has also been declared by Police Scotland, as emergency services continue to tackle a wildfire which has been burning in the Cairngorms National Park for 10 days.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Spain in Flames: 12,000-hectare Blaze Threatens Uncastillo as Firefighters Battle Inferno
July 17, 2026 | Spanish firefighters and the Military Emergency Unit battled a fast-moving wildfire near Uncastillo in Spain's Aragon region after the blaze scorched around 12,000 hectares across Zaragoza province.
Emergency crews worked to protect evacuated communities as shifting winds pushed the fire through forests, scrubland, and farmland. More than 1,100 residents have been affected by evacuation orders across several towns, while authorities maintained the highest operational response under Aragon's wildfire emergency plan.
The wildfire comes amid an intense heatwave that has heightened fire risks across Spain.
Emergency crews worked to protect evacuated communities as shifting winds pushed the fire through forests, scrubland, and farmland. More than 1,100 residents have been affected by evacuation orders across several towns, while authorities maintained the highest operational response under Aragon's wildfire emergency plan.
The wildfire comes amid an intense heatwave that has heightened fire risks across Spain.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Brits in Spain Describe Deadly Wildfire: 'There's Nothing As Far As the Eye Can See'
Jul 13, 2026 | Officials in southern Spain say a wildfire in Andalucía, which has killed at least 12 people, has now been "stabilised". More than 20 people are still missing.
Sky's Alistair Bunkall spoke to residents returning to their homes.
Sky's Alistair Bunkall spoke to residents returning to their homes.
Gibraltar Scraps Border Checks with Spain | DW News
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Revival of Spain's Dictator Franco? | DW Documentary
July 14, 2026 | Ninety years ago, a coup against the Spanish Republic led to Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Today, many people of all ages in Spain are romanticizing that regime, a trend fuelled by the far-right political party Vox.
After Franco's death in 1975, Spain's democracy was established based on the Amnesty Law of 1977, which shielded Franco-era agents and officials from prosecution. But victims are still demanding justice and compensation.
Today, there are two opposing narratives: One is based on a duty to tell the truth, while the other uses nostalgia to revive a former authoritarian system of government.
Between the ruling left-wing coalition, right wing parties and the far right, there appears to be no path forward to reconcile conflicting views of Franco's legacy. Against the backdrop of this political divide, even some young people long for the old order under Franco.
Right-wing populists are exploiting this trend to once again call democracy into question — especially the far-right party Vox, whose influence is growing among voters.
WIKIPEDIA: Francisco Franco »
After Franco's death in 1975, Spain's democracy was established based on the Amnesty Law of 1977, which shielded Franco-era agents and officials from prosecution. But victims are still demanding justice and compensation.
Today, there are two opposing narratives: One is based on a duty to tell the truth, while the other uses nostalgia to revive a former authoritarian system of government.
Between the ruling left-wing coalition, right wing parties and the far right, there appears to be no path forward to reconcile conflicting views of Franco's legacy. Against the backdrop of this political divide, even some young people long for the old order under Franco.
Right-wing populists are exploiting this trend to once again call democracy into question — especially the far-right party Vox, whose influence is growing among voters.
WIKIPEDIA: Francisco Franco »
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