Spain opens criminal probe into Ceuta migrant surge as hybrid warfare against state

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Ceuta president urges EU to toughen stance on Morocco over migrant surge as Spain rejects blame
Spain opens criminal probe into Ceuta migrant surge as hybrid warfare against state
Spain’s Audiencia Nacional has opened a criminal investigation into the mass arrival of nearly 80,000 migrants in Ceuta on July 30–31, with Judge María Tardón citing evidence of a coordinated operation involving Moroccan security forces.
In a judicial order, Tardón admitted several complaints for investigation, framing the incident as a potential act of “hybrid warfare” against the state. The judge highlighted “clear and undeniable management” from Moroccan territory, including documented “permissiveness” and “active guidance” by Moroccan forces, who allegedly assisted migrants in crossing by land and sea. The resolution draws parallels to hybrid tactics used by Russia in Ukraine and the Islamic State, emphasizing the use of mass migration as a tool to overwhelm state defenses .
The Spanish government confirmed on Sunday it would join the case as a plaintiff, following Tardón’s decision to probe potential crimes against state independence, foreign citizens’ rights, and negligent homicide, as well as possible criminal organization involvement .
An animal rights group, Zeolandia, has also been admitted as a popular accusation in the case, pending a required bond. The Almería-based association, led by Inmaculada Jaén, previously filed a complaint with the European Commission over Spain’s handling of the crisis .
A Spanish police report underpinning the investigation described “total permissiveness” by Moroccan authorities during the border surge .
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