Spain has deployed its military to the North African
enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from
Morocco, overwhelming border security and prompting a large-scale emergency
response.
The Spanish government announced that the Armed Forces
would assist the Civil Guard in restoring order, following warnings from local
authorities that the city could no longer cope with the growing number of
arrivals.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister
Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit Ceuta as the government works to
manage the escalating situation.
The latest influx is one of the largest migration
waves to reach Ceuta since May 2021, when more than 8,000 migrants entered the
Spanish enclave within two days, triggering diplomatic tensions between Spain
and Morocco.
Rachid Sbihi, head of an association representing
Spain's Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described the situation as
"absolute chaos," saying it was impossible to determine the exact
number of migrants but estimated that thousands had crossed.
Authorities in Ceuta confirmed that at least nine
people died during Thursday's crossings, although officials have yet to
disclose the exact circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
According to reports, rescue teams continued
operations after bodies were seen floating in the water near the border.
Videos circulating online showed large groups of
migrants entering Ceuta through the Tarajal border crossing, with many swimming
around coastal barriers separating Morocco from Spanish territory. While most
of those arriving appeared to be young men, families, including women and
children, were also among those making the dangerous journey.
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