Sanchez Says Moroccan Vessels Entered Waters Spain Claims Off Ceuta

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday that Moroccan naval vessels entered waters Spain claims off Ceuta without permission after more than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the enclave in late July. El Pais, citing unnamed sources, said at least one Royal Moroccan Navy frigate and several patrol boats entered without authorization, calling the moves intentional and repeated, and that Spain deployed a frigate. Sanchez told TVE that isolated incidents occur between neighbors and that naval cooperation remains smooth. Spain claims waters 12 nautical miles from Ceuta; Morocco does not recognize Spanish sovereignty there, and the countries have no agreed maritime boundary. Accounts citing El Pais said Moroccan movements continued into early August and that vessels nearly collided, a detail not officially confirmed. Spain's Defense Ministry held high-level contacts with Moroccan authorities to end the incidents. Sanchez spoke on the eve of a King Felipe and Queen Letizia visit to Ceuta and after King Mohammed VI said the migration partnership is a sovereign choice that will never be subject to pressure, threat, or blackmail. Morocco World News frames the waters as those of occupied Ceuta; center-rated coverage leads on Sanchez's confirmation. Contested characterizations center on isolated neighbor incidents versus intentional violation. Spain's November 29 election and remaining migrants keep pressure on the dispute.