Moroccan authorities tightened security around the Bab Sebta border crossing from early Thursday, barring anyone who is not traveling from approaching the area as Fnideq enters a heightened state of surveillance ahead of Aug. 15.
The restrictions come less than 48 hours before the date targeted by viral social media calls for coordinated mass attempts to cross irregularly into Sebta.
An advance security cordon has been established around the border area, with access controls beginning well before travelers reach the crossing itself.
From the entrance to the Anjra control zone near the Tanger Med port, through the checkpoint at Belyounech and as far as the entrance to Fnideq, Royal Gendarmerie and Auxiliary Forces personnel have been deployed as part of the operation.
National police officers are also conducting strict checks on taxis traveling through the area, while security forces are sweeping nearby forested zones for people who may be attempting to reach the border irregularly.
The security measures put in place in Fnideq on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (S. Kadry/Le360)
Despite the heightened security presence, daily life in Fnideq has continued against the backdrop of the peak summer tourism season.
The city’s streets, neighborhoods and commercial areas remain busy, much like other Mediterranean coastal destinations in northern Morocco at this time of year.
A Le360 team visiting several parts of Fnideq on Thursday observed large numbers of visitors searching for apartments and houses available for short-term rental.
Nightly rental prices currently range from around MAD 400 to MAD 1,600, reflecting strong demand during the summer peak.
The atmosphere surrounding the online crossing campaign has so far had little visible impact on the city’s tourism and commercial activity, with authorities having progressively reinforced security in Fnideq over the past four days.
