Ceuta Crisis & Migration Tech: Spain’s July 2026 mass crossing into Ceuta (70,000+ in 48 hours) is being traced to viral social media claims, recruitment posts, and AI-made images that distorted what migrants could expect at the border—amid reports of misleading interpretations of Spanish court rulings and a surge that left dozens dead. Border Politics & Accountability: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez said there’s “no solid proof” Morocco orchestrated the rush, while a police report alleges Moroccan border response was “total permissiveness,” including officers directing people toward the water—fueling fresh diplomatic friction. Humanitarian Fallout (Canary Islands): A boat adrift for 26 days off Spain’s Canary Islands has left at least 80 feared dead, with survivors and bodies reported after the vessel was found. Sahara Security (US–Morocco): A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity, and shared security, following earlier US engagement at El Guerguerat. Energy & Critical Minerals (Morocco): The US Trade and Development Agency plans to expand support in Morocco across energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and transport, including work around LNG infrastructure. Western Mediterranean Tensions: New incidents near Ceuta—like arrests after stone-throwing against Spanish soldiers—keep the Morocco–Spain standoff simmering, with observers debating whether it’s spontaneous or coordinated escalation.