Newsletters
The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of security risks linked to a large influx of migrants from Morocco.
“The massive and uncontrolled arrival of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta may lead to unpredictable and dangerous security situations,” the department said in a Saturday statement.
Spain has deployed the military, National Police and Guardia Civil in response to the situation, the advisory said.
The State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Ceuta because of risks to their safety and security.
Ceuta, which has a population of about 83,000, is located entirely on the North African coast and is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.
The overall travel advisory for Spain remains at Level 2, which advises travelers to exercise increased caution.
The State Department warned that terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in Spain and could target tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, educational institutions, parks and major sporting and cultural events.
The advisory also said demonstrations are common and may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays or during international events.
Travelers were advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, remain aware of their surroundings, follow instructions from local authorities, monitor local media for breaking developments and be prepared to adjust their travel plans.
Spain’s Interior Ministry estimated that more than 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta irregularly on Thursday.
By the weekend, most of those migrants had been returned, according to the ministry.
The migration crisis is expected to be discussed by European Union justice and interior ministers at a meeting on Tuesday.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
