The alleged incursion is expected on August 15, prompting Spain to reinforce security measures at the borders of Ceuta and Melilla, the two autonomous cities bordering Morocco.

Despite repeated statements by Spanish Government officials praising Rabat’s cooperation, local analysts and international affairs experts point out that, at the very least, Morocco’s inaction encouraged the arrival of 72,000 people in Ceuta on July 30.

Although most have been returned to the neighboring country, there are more than a hundred deaths, some 1,500 unaccompanied child migrants, and around 4,000 people still wandering the streets of Ceuta.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles received almost unanimous public support when she emphasized two days ago that Ceuta and Melilla are “utterly Spain” and “cannot be touched.”

Any aggression against Ceuta or Melilla is an aggression against all of Spain, Robles stated, referring to pro-independence statements by high-ranking Moroccan officials.

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