Ceuta: twelve Moroccans arrested following attack on Spanish military vehicle

Thursday 27 August 2026 - 11:23

Tensions remain high in Ceuta, where twelve Moroccan nationals were arrested on Thursday after an attack targeting a Spanish military vehicle. The incident occurs in an already fragile climate, nearly a month after a significant influx of migrants into the city.

According to reports from local authorities, the events took place at dawn on Thursday. A vehicle carrying four Spanish soldiers was reportedly targeted by a group of several dozen people. Stones and various objects were thrown from the roadside, placing the occupants of the vehicle in a particularly tense situation.

In response to the attack, the soldiers reportedly exited their vehicle and sought shelter before calling for police intervention. The assailants then dispersed upon the arrival of several security units.

Twelve individuals were ultimately arrested. All are of Moroccan nationality, according to the information provided. One of the four soldiers sustained minor injuries during the incident after being struck by a projectile.

A city still under pressure

This episode occurs in a context marked by the consequences of the massive arrival of migrants recorded in Ceuta on July 30 and 31. Several thousand people had attempted to enter the enclave, notably by sea or overland.

While a large portion of the migrants was returned to Morocco in the days following this influx, several thousand individuals are still reportedly present on site. This situation continues to fuel tensions among the various groups in the city.

In recent weeks, residents have organized several gatherings to express their concerns regarding security and sanitary conditions. A significant mobilization took place again on Wednesday evening.

According to the Spanish press, this demonstration was followed by incidents, with law enforcement using tear gas to prevent clashes with migrants settled in certain coastal areas.

The challenge of processing migrants remaining on site

Spanish authorities are now seeking to expedite the administrative processing of individuals still present in Ceuta. However, the process requires the individual identification of migrants to examine their situation and determine any rights to international protection or applicable return procedures.

The presence of many minors also complicates the management of this crisis. They must be subject to specific protection measures, in accordance with the procedures applicable to unaccompanied minors.

The attack on the military vehicle thus serves as a reminder of the fragility of the situation in Ceuta, where migratory pressure, security concerns, and the management of several thousand individuals continue to present authorities with a major challenge.