Migrants walk next to a USECIC Guardia Civil member after swimming through Spain's Ceuta border from the Moroccan side to reach the border fence, in Ceuta, Spain, July 30, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a video. [Photo/Agencies]
MADRID -- Spain's government on Thursday deployed armed forces stationed in the North African enclave of Ceuta to support the Civil Guard after thousands of migrants crossed into the territory from neighboring Morocco. According to Spanish media reports, at least nine migrants died while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave by sea.
According to Spanish media reports, the armed forces will reinforce the Civil Guard in carrying out its duties and operate under the coordination of the Armed Forces' Operations Command.
Thousands of migrants entered Ceuta on Thursday, placing severe pressure on local reception facilities and security services.
Ceuta's regional leader Juan Jesus Vivas called on the central government to declare a national emergency and assume unified command of the response.
