Moroccan authorities say they have beefed up security at Ceuta border

Moroccan authorities said on Wednesday that they have taken measures to prevent a new influx of migrants into the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta.

“All the necessary measures were taken to counter all attempts at illegal passage and intercept every person seeking to participate,” Moroccan interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi said.

The announcement of increased security along its border with the enclave comes after calls resurfaced on social media for another mass crossing.

Late last month, around 72,000 people, mostly Moroccans, surged into Ceuta irregularly over a few days, though most of them have since been returned across the border.

For more than a week, online posts have claimed that the border crossing between the Moroccan town of Fnideq and the Spanish city would be open on 15 August.

Would-be migrants are also being urged to cross into Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa.

Together, the two form the European Union’s only land borders with the continent.

Morocco said legal proceedings would be taken against those spreading the calls encouraging irregular migration. The surge last month was triggered by a social media campaign calling for mass crossings.

Local authorities in Ceuta said some 2,000 people remain in the territory, including about 1,000 unaccompanied minors who cannot be deported under Spanish law.

The Moroccan interior ministry has urged Spanish authorities to speed up the return of the children.

At least 80 people died in July mass crossing, according to official tallies. Human rights groups have reported higher figures.