Although thwarted, the attempted new invasion, instigated on social media on August 15, had a psychological impact on the population of Ceuta and revived criticism of the central government’s actions.

Spain’s National Intelligence Center (CNI) had called for heightened precautions in the face of a “credible threat,” which prompted Spain to reinforce security measures at the borders of Ceuta and Melilla, the two autonomous cities bordering Morocco.

Several sources stated that Morocco intervened and halted the action, although not in the top-down manner desired by Madrid, which included the expulsion of journalists from the EFE news agency and RTVE television broadcaster.

Ceuta’s President, Juan Jesus Vivas, renewed his criticism of the central government’s actions, given the situation revealing the movement of thousands of undocumented immigrants and more than a thousand children through the city.

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