Spain's spy agency warned of Ceuta border breach before crisis, declassified files show

Key Points:

• Declassified documents reveal that Spain's national intelligence agency issued multiple warnings before the mass migrant crossing into Ceuta in late July, contradicting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's statements about the level of prior warning.
• On July 29, Spain's National Intelligence Center alerted the government about social media calls for a coordinated migrant assault on Ceuta's border fence and by sea, involving groups with a combined following of 180,000.
• Intelligence reports indicated Moroccan forces were passive during the influx and suggested Morocco might exploit the situation for strategic interests, though the Moroccan government has not responded to requests for comment.
• Sánchez acknowledged the social media campaign was known and monitored but denied it indicated the scale or likelihood of the ensuing crisis, defending the government's response despite criticism and allegations of Moroccan police involvement.
• Ceuta continues to face a humanitarian crisis with thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied minors, living in makeshift camps or on the streets, and Spain is preparing to release further documents related to the deadly mass crossing.