Italian intelligence flags heightened jihadist risk in Ceuta after migrant surge

Italian intelligence officials have issued a warning that the large-scale arrival of migrants in Ceuta could create conditions for jihadist radicalisation and recruitment, according to a dossier seen by an Italian newspaper. The document, which incorporates recent information from Spanish intelligence, notes that dozens of people from the region have previously travelled to fight in Syria and Iraq. Spanish law-enforcement sources reported that at least ten individuals previously convicted of jihadism were among the tens of thousands of migrants who entered Ceuta in late July and early August.

The dossier also cautions of a potential new influx on August 15, mirroring alerts from Spain’s Civil Guard. Monitoring of messaging platforms suggests the campaign is being coordinated by users on TikTok and multiple WhatsApp and Facebook groups, using phone numbers from several countries. Italy’s prime minister said border controls with Spain will remain until security risks are cleared, while Spain’s leader responded with reciprocal checks on Italian travelers.