Terror Threat Delays Reopening of Spain-Morocco Border Crossing at Ceuta

The prolonged closure of the Tarajal II border crossing has angered smugglers and some traders, while part of the population has welcomed this decision given the disorder that this crossing is experiencing.

Moroccan sources mention religious and national holidays in Morocco and Spain, as well as the delay in the work on both sides of the border crossing, among other reasons that explain the decision of the prolonged closure.

But above all, the fear of terrorist attacks remains the priority. According to the newspaper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, the intelligence services fear that potential terrorists, some of whom are wanted, may take advantage of the congestion at the Tarajal II crossing to infiltrate. Especially since according to Moroccan sources, the date of the opening of the crossing coincided with the dismantling of the terrorist cell affiliated with Daesh, the two main accused of which were arrested in Tamaris, in the suburbs of Casablanca, a few days ago.

The daily also reports that according to the intelligence gathered, the terrorists were planning to create a base in the northern mountains before proclaiming the creation of the "Caliphate of the Arab Maghreb". Moreover, the Moroccan authorities have carried out a clean-up campaign in this area before proceeding to expel migrants, especially Syrians. As for the Spanish authorities, they have reinforced security around the Tarajal II border crossing, with the mobilization of Guardia Civil elements around the city and near the fences.