Morocco pushes for Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla amid Western Sahara dispute

Morocco is escalating its demand that Spain cede the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, cities that have been under Spanish control since the 15th and 16th centuries. The move comes as the country celebrates recent diplomatic advances on the Western Sahara issue, highlighted by a U.N. Security Council endorsement of Morocco's decades-old autonomy plan. Moroccan leaders attribute their stronger posture to renewed backing from abroad, a contrast to earlier periods of isolation.

Spain has responded with caution, noting the risk of diplomatic friction and possible border incidents, recalling past confrontations near Ceuta. Analysts suggest that Morocco may pursue the Spanish territories through diplomatic pressure, though the prospect of military escalation remains a concern.