Morocco has mobilised hundreds of riot police and stepped up naval patrols near Ceuta as authorities prepare for a possible attempt by migrants to cross into the Spanish-controlled enclave on August 15.
Spanish broadcaster laSexta, which filmed the security operation on Wednesday, reported that hundreds of Moroccan officers carrying shields and wearing riot gear assembled near the Benzú section of the border.
The broadcaster also counted eight Moroccan Navy vessels patrolling the coastline near Fnideq, the northern Moroccan city adjoining Ceuta.
The police gathering appeared to be a training exercise rather than a permanent deployment. The officers had left the Benzú area by Thursday morning, although naval patrols, surveillance and physical barriers remained in place.
The security operation comes amid messages circulating on Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms calling on young Moroccans and migrants from other African countries to gather near Ceuta and Melilla on August 15.
