Morocco steps up security near Ceuta after online march calls

RABAT, Morocco — Moroccan security forces have stopped dozens of people heading north from the town of Ouezzane in recent days, sending them back to their cities of origin after social media posts urged mass crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Authorities said the intercepted individuals had traveled from distant regions including Agadir, Inezgane, Chichaoua and Chtouka Ait Baha. Officials said each of the past several days had brought the detection of groups of about 50 young people preparing to travel north toward Ceuta. Under the security measures, minors were released to their families after parents were asked to travel to Ouezzane or after the youths were placed on buses back home. Adults were directed to their registered cities or, where no direct service was available, to the nearest transport hub. The operations were carried out alongside tightened security alerts in several northern towns and districts and the deployment of additional forces to border areas. Spain has also reinforced security inside Ceuta in response to the same online appeals, with troops positioned outside major stores and public buildings and police patrols stepped up on main avenues.