# Spain-Morocco dispute over Ceuta and Melilla > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spain-morocco-dispute-over-ceuta-and-melilla > Updated: 2026-10-08T09:26:23.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3. Tensions regarding the sovereignty of the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla have escalated due to political rhetoric and migration issues. Former Moroccan senator and mayor Yahya Yahya issued a direct threat against King Felipe VI regarding a potential visit to the cities, labeling them ‘occupied presidios’ and stating that Moroccans are prepared to ‘shed every last drop of blood’ to defend the territory. Following these provocations and a significant migration crisis involving over 80,000 migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are scheduled to conduct a historic official visit to the cities on October 13 and 14. The King is expected to spend the night in Ceuta on October 13, marking the first time a Spanish head of state has stayed overnight in the city during the current democracy. The visit aims to project institutional stability, with the royal agenda including closed-door meetings and an ecumenical ceremony at the Sidi Embarek cemetery. Preparations for the visit include an outdoor exhibition in Melilla titled ‘Casa Real: Siempre con nosotros, siempre con España’ to highlight historical ties between the monarchy and the city. However, the trip coincides with heightened domestic political friction. Vox leader Santiago Abascal has announced he will skip the official October 12 military parade in Madrid to visit Ceuta instead, accompanied by French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella. Additionally, the Association of Troop and Seamen (ATME) has expressed concerns to President Pedro Sánchez, stating that military personnel in Ceuta feel ‘unsupported and abandoned’ by the government during their missions. ## Claims - King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla on October 13 and 14. (corroborated by 5 sources) - For the first time in a democratic era, the Head of State will stay overnight in Ceuta on October 13. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Representatives from Ceuta and Melilla have been invited to the National Day reception at the Royal Palace on October 12. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Vox leader Santiago Abascal will not attend the official October 12 parade in Madrid, opting instead to travel to Ceuta. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Abascal will be accompanied in Ceuta by Jordan Bardella, leader of the French National Rally. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The President of Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, has called for a massive public reception for the monarchs in Plaza de España on October 14. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Melilla has opened an outdoor exhibition titled ‘Casa Real: Siempre con nosotros, siempre con España’ to mark the royal visit. (single source) - Military personnel in Ceuta have sent a letter to President Pedro Sánchez expressing feelings of abandonment and requesting better legal and professional protection. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Spanish Royal Family to visit Ceuta and Melilla in historic official trip King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Ceuta and Melilla on October 13-14, with the King making a historic overnight stay in Ceuta. The visit follows recent border tensions and political friction. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-monarchs-to-visit-ceuta-and-melilla ### 2026-10-03: King Felipe VI to visit Ceuta, Melilla, and Finland King Felipe VI will visit Ceuta and Melilla on October 13 amid diplomatic tensions with Morocco, and conduct a State visit to Finland from October 5-7 focusing on technology and bilateral relations. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-felipe-vi-to-visit-ceuta-melilla-and-finland ### 2026-09-21: Moroccan activist threatens King Felipe VI over Ceuta and Melilla visit Former Moroccan senator Yahya Yahya has issued a death threat against King Felipe VI, warning of violence if the monarch visits the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moroccan-activist-threatens-king-felipe-vi-over-ceuta-and-melilla-visit --- Cite as: Spain-Morocco dispute over Ceuta and Melilla. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spain-morocco-dispute-over-ceuta-and-melilla