Ceuta Military Patrol Ambushed by Migrants: Police Find Pre‑Planned Stone Attack

A premeditated attack on Spanish military vehicles in Ceuta last month has been confirmed as an ambush by the National Police, according to preliminary findings. The assault, which left four soldiers injured, involved dozens of illegal migrants targeting a routine patrol by the 54th Regular Group of Ceuta. Investigators found evidence suggesting the ambush was carefully planned, with heavy stones deliberately stockpiled along the patrol route in the Benzú area.

The attack began when migrants launched a barrage of rocks at the military vehicle, shattering windows and trapping the soldiers inside. Military sources described the situation as deeply concerning, with soldiers reporting they feared for their lives due to the intensity of the assault. The vehicles involved, which included all-terrain logistical transports, were not armored and lacked defense capabilities against such attacks.

Marco Antonio Gómez, president of the Association of Spanish Troops and Sailors (ATME), criticized the military’s vulnerability, stating that soldiers were left defenseless. "They go without weapons. Our colleagues had to run away to save their own lives," Gómez told investigators. Military personnel on the ground in Ceuta told *El Debate* that legal restrictions severely limit their ability to respond, leaving them with "hands and feet tied."

The Union of Military Troops (UMT) had previously warned about the dangers facing troops, issuing a statement of "strong rejection and indignation" just ten days before the ambush. The National Police, alongside the Civil Guard, arrested 12 suspects at the scene, with some migrants attempting to escape by jumping into the sea. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.

Social media footage of the damaged military vehicles circulated widely, highlighting the severity of the attack. Reports also surfaced of increasing tensions in Ceuta, including a recent incident where five migrants allegedly attempted to assault a 12-year-old girl, underscoring broader concerns about security in the region. Residents have expressed growing unease, with some fleeing the area due to safety fears.

The incident has reignited debates over border security and military capabilities in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast. Authorities continue to assess how to prevent future attacks while addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration and law enforcement constraints.

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