Morocco-Spain: a military incident narrowly avoided off the coast of Ceuta

A Moroccan patrol boat and a Spanish military vessel nearly collided off Ceuta in early August, prompting Spain to deploy multiple warships and initiate diplomatic démarches with Rabat. Moroccan ships repeatedly entered waters claimed by Spain around Ceuta between late July and early August 2026. The tensions are fueled by a dispute over Ceuta's status, with Spain claiming sovereignty and Morocco contesting it, amid increased tensions and a large influx of migrants from Morocco.