A group of Moroccan migrants was detained in Ceuta after a violent stone attack injured four soldiers. The incident triggered a major security response in Benzú. Authorities continue searching for other suspects.
Four Spanish soldiers were injured in the early hours in Benzú, Ceuta, after a group of Moroccan migrants allegedly ambushed their vehicle and attacked them with large stones. The incident, confirmed by EL PAÍS, unfolded around 5:30 a.m. as military personnel were en route to a surveillance post in the northwest of the autonomous city. Upon arrival, between 30 and 40 individuals surrounded their vehicle and began hurling stones, causing significant damage and forcing the soldiers to abandon the car and flee on foot.
During their escape, the soldiers continued to be targeted by projectiles, sustaining various injuries. They managed to alert emergency services via 112, prompting a rapid deployment of National Police and Guardia Civil units. As the first patrols arrived, the attackers dispersed toward Benzú, with some attempting to evade capture by entering the sea. The Guardia Civil’s maritime service was mobilized to assist in locating those who fled by water.
The security operation resulted in the detention of twelve Moroccan nationals suspected of involvement in the assault. All four injured soldiers were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The investigation remains open as authorities work to identify and apprehend the remaining participants in the attack.
The night was marked by heightened tension in Ceuta, with security forces also firing warning shots into the air to prevent local residents from confronting migrants on the beaches of El Trampolín and Benítez. This latest incident adds to a series of recent disturbances in the area, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing migration and public order. For context, Ceuta has faced repeated surges in migrant arrivals and related unrest, as seen when Spanish police used tear gas to disperse groups at Trampolín Beach during a previous episode of conflict, detailed in this report on earlier clashes.
Ceuta’s unique position as a Spanish enclave bordering Morocco has made it a focal point for migration into Europe. The city’s authorities and security forces remain under pressure to balance humanitarian needs with maintaining order, especially as tensions periodically flare between local residents and newly arrived migrants. The ongoing investigation into the Benzú attack underscores the complexity of the situation and the persistent security challenges facing the region.
