Sánchez Confirms Moroccan Warships Entered Ceuta Waters, Says Tensions Have Eased
Pedro Sánchez has confirmed incursions by Moroccan military vessels into Ceuta’s waters, reported by the Spanish press on Monday. The prime minister acknowledged an episode of heightened tension between the two navies, but said dialogue with Rabat had resolved the incident.
“This kind of thing happens between neighboring countries.” Pedro Sánchez acknowledged on Monday, October 12, that Moroccan warships had entered Ceuta’s waters during the July migration crisis. Speaking to journalists at the Royal Palace in Madrid during Spain’s National Day celebrations, the head of government confirmed reports by the daily El País, while playing down their seriousness.
On Bladi.net : Spanish and Moroccan Warships Nearly Collide Off Ceuta
The prime minister spoke of “very intense days,” marked by tensions between the military vessels of the two countries. He confirmed that exchanges had taken place “at the highest level” between the Spanish and Moroccan navies to put an end to the incidents.
“Dialogue was very smooth, and nothing like this has happened again since,” he said. His account contrasts with the gravity of events described by Spanish military sources: several incursions, the deployment of frigates and maneuvers that nearly led to a collision.
Sánchez defends cooperation with Morocco
The Spanish head of government refused to directly accuse Rabat. He stressed the importance of bilateral relations, particularly in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. “We are trying to build, not destroy,” he said, targeting Spain’s conservative opposition.
The response comes as Sánchez had never mentioned the naval incidents in his previous appearances before Parliament on the Ceuta crisis. He had, however, acknowledged in September that Moroccan forces had allowed migrants to pass for ten hours, while refusing to attribute the organization of the mass arrivals to Rabat.
On Bladi.net : Felipe VI to Visit Ceuta and Melilla After Years of Spanish Government Concern Over Morocco’s Reaction
The prime minister did not explain why the military episode had not been made public. According to statements reported by RTVE, he believes cooperation with Morocco remains essential despite the tensions of the summer.
The remarks come on the eve of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s visit to Ceuta, scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, before they travel to Melilla the following day. Sánchez says the royal visit should be considered a normal event in two Spanish cities.
