Keywords: Melilla


U.S. congressional report highlights Ceuta and Melilla issue and calls for diplomatic dialogue

A recent report accompanying a U.S. House of Representatives appropriations bill has renewed attention to the long-standing dispute over the Spanish-administered cities of Ceuta and Melilla. According to the document, the report discusses Morocco’s position regarding the two territories and encourages......

The Interior Ministry explains the circumstances surrounding migration attempts to Ceuta and Melilla

Moroccan authorities believe that the recent events recorded at the crossing points leading to Ceuta and Melilla are the result of a combination of converging factors rather than a spontaneous phenomenon. In a public statement, the Interior Ministry emphasizes that the exploitation of social networks,......

Spain-Morocco ties have reached an unprecedented level, says foreign minister Albares

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares declared Tuesday that relations between Spain and Morocco have reached a degree of intensity rarely seen between two countries, pushing back against speculation fueled by radical domestic voices about shifting regional alliances. Speaking in a television......

Madrid unprepared for Morocco’s pressure on Ceuta and Melilla

A new military report has reignited the debate in Spain over the future of the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The study, authored by Spanish army commander Emilio José Arias Otero for the Center for National Defense Studies (Ceseden), warns that Morocco is stepping up pressure on......

Albares reaffirms Morocco-Spain customs cooperation amid far-right criticism

Amid growing speculation over the status of border trade between Spain and Morocco, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares clarified that the customs posts at Ceuta and Melilla remain operational and have not been closed permanently. Speaking from Santander, Albares responded to claims—mainly......

Spain bolsters military presence in Ceuta and Melilla amid Morocco’s sovereignty push

Spain has significantly increased its military presence in the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, deploying additional troops under the framework of "Operation Presence – Surveillance and Deterrence." The move coincides with mounting calls in Morocco to reclaim the territories through legal......

Sánchez’s symbolic visit to Melilla highlights complex customs relations

Pedro Sánchez is set to make a highly symbolic visit to Melilla next Monday, where he will inaugurate the new university hospital a project announced nearly two decades ago and partially operational only recently. However, beyond healthcare, the visit underscores the sensitive customs issue central......

Queen Sofia’s visit to Melilla sparks controversy

The announcement of a scheduled visit by Spain’s honorary queen, Queen Sofia, to the occupied city of Melilla has sparked diverse reactions among the Moroccan population residing in the city and in the neighboring town of Beni Ensar. The visit, set to take place on Thursday, has reignited tensions......

Morocco strengthens cyber defenses by deploying specialized units near Ceuta and Melilla

In a strategic move that reflects the rapid advancement of its defense system, Morocco is preparing to deploy specialized electronic warfare battalions near the occupied territories of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as other key northern locations like Al Hoceima. This initiative aims to bolster national......