Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed Monday that Moroccan warships entered waters off Ceuta coinciding with a massive influx of migrants to the autonomous city on July 30 and 31.
Speaking informally with journalists at the Royal Palace during a reception marking Spain's National Day, Sánchez acknowledged information first reported by El País that a Moroccan Navy frigate and several patrol boats entered Spanish territorial waters during those dates. He described the period as "very intense" and "very difficult" days.
Sánchez characterized the naval incursions as "isolated incidents" and noted that high-level communication occurred between the armed forces of both countries during the episode. He did not provide details on the reasons for the Moroccan vessels' entry into Ceuta's waters.
The migration crisis saw more than 80,000 migrants arrive in Ceuta from Morocco during July 30 and 31. Spanish authorities deployed a frigate from the Spanish Navy to counter the Moroccan Marine incursions in Spanish sovereign waters, according to reports.
Sánchez expressed satisfaction that normality was progressively returning to the city. He pointed to an upcoming visit by Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on Tuesday as evidence of the restoration of normal conditions in Ceuta following the July events.