Spanish Authorities Identify Suspected Jihadists Among Ceuta Migrants

Spanish authorities have identified several suspected jihadists among the thousands of migrants who crossed from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last week, according to reports. Some 70,000 migrants illegally entered the North African city before mostly returning, sparking a political crisis with the European Union. Sources within Spain's Civil Guard told The Objective that intelligence agents identified individuals previously monitored for suspected links to Islamist extremism, with video surveillance helping to spot some during Thursday's crossing.

El Español separately reported that counterterrorism specialists found at least a dozen people previously arrested, convicted, and deported to Morocco, possibly among those not yet repatriated. Spain estimates around 69,500 people have returned to Morocco, while 72 deaths occurred on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side. Local official Alberto Gaitan said the city is processing 862 migrant minors. Reports indicate Moroccan border controls were relaxed during July and removed as crowds surged during Morocco's Throne Day holiday.