Spanish PM Sanchez: Unauthorized Moroccan navy ships entered Spanish waters during Ceuta crisis

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish waters off Ceuta without permission following the mass migrant crossing in late July. Sanchez described the incidents as isolated, downplaying their significance while emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations with Morocco. The admission follows reports of a frigate and patrol boats sailing through Spanish sovereign waters, intercepted by a Spanish frigate. Sanchez's comments precede a royal visit to Ceuta, which could exacerbate tensions with Morocco.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez acknowledged that Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish waters off Ceuta without authorization following the mass migrant crossing in late July 2026. State broadcaster TVE reported Sanchez's comments, in which he described the incidents as isolated and underscored the importance of maintaining strong relations with Morocco. The admission comes after El Pais reported, citing unnamed sources, that at least one frigate and several patrol boats from the Royal Moroccan Navy sailed through Spanish sovereign waters without seeking permission. A Spanish frigate had to intercept the Moroccan warships to repel them. Sanchez played down the significance, stating that such isolated incidents occur between neighboring countries and that cooperation between the navies remains smooth. The comments precede a visit by King Felipe and Queen Letizia to Ceuta, which could exacerbate tensions, as Rabat claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco's King Mohammed recently criticized Spanish court decisions impeding repatriation of minors as obsolete.