Italy has extended temporary border checks on air and sea arrivals from Spain for another 15 days, citing persistent internal security concerns and the continuing risk of terrorist infiltration.

According to a statement from Italy's Interior Ministry, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi informed the European Commission and his counterparts in other European Union member states of the decision following a review by the Committee for the Analysis of Migration and Border Security.

The ministry said the extension was necessary because "significant risks to internal security persist, alongside a potential threat linked to possible terrorist infiltration."

Italy first reintroduced temporary checks on its internal Schengen air and sea borders with Spain on August 1 after a mass influx of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta. The measure was extended once at the end of August and has now been prolonged for an additional 15 days.

The controls apply to passengers arriving by air and sea from Spain. Italian authorities said the temporary measure is intended to address security concerns while monitoring movements linked to the recent migration surge.

Under the Schengen Agreement, border controls between participating countries are normally abolished. However, EU rules allow member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border checks in exceptional circumstances when serious threats to public order or internal security are identified.

The latest extension underscores Rome's continuing concerns over migration flows and security risks following the recent developments in Ceuta, highlighting the flexibility provided under Schengen rules during exceptional circumstances. (ILKHA)