Spain Closes Beni Ansar Border in Melilla Due to Migration Crisis

The Spanish government has taken decisive action by closing the Beni Ansar border post, which serves as the sole major land access point between Spain and Morocco in the Melilla region. This decision follows attempts by a group of migrants to break through security barricades in an effort to enter Spanish territory illegally.

According to reports from the Spanish international news agency, EFE, on Thursday (30/7), the situation at the border escalated when crowds attempted to force their way through. However, the prompt response of security forces on-site successfully thwarted the breach attempt, allowing stability at the border point to be restored.

In response to the incident, Spanish authorities immediately heightened their alert levels. Security reports indicate that additional police patrols have been massively deployed, not only at the Beni Ansar post but also at several other vulnerable points along the Melilla border line.

This closure reflects the increasing migration pressures faced by Spain’s two autonomous cities in North Africa, Melilla and Ceuta. Both territories are strategic points bordering Morocco and frequently serve as targets for migrants attempting to reach mainland Europe.

Prior to the incident in Melilla, a similar situation was reported in Ceuta, where thousands of Moroccan youths reportedly gathered near the border area, sparking fears of a mass influx. In response to this concentration of people, the Spanish Government has deployed additional troops to Ceuta, comprising a combined force of the National Police, military personnel, and the Civil Guard to ensure the integrity of the border is maintained.