Spain has deployed troops and additional police to Ceuta after thousands of illegal migrants crossed into the North African enclave from Morocco, overwhelming local reception facilities and prompting authorities to declare a humanitarian and social emergency.
Many of those entering Ceuta reached the territory by swimming or wading around the Tarajal border breakwater, while others reportedly climbed the border fence. Videos showed large crowds arriving on beaches and roads, some using inflatable tubes and other flotation devices.
Spain’s Interior Ministry announced that 60 members of the Armed Forces and 30 additional Civil Guard officers would be sent to reinforce border security.
“The Armed Forces will reinforce the Civil Guard in the exercise of its powers and any others that may be necessary to maintain security in the city of Ceuta,” the ministry said.
The exact number of arrivals remained unclear. Ceuta authorities said between 1,500 and 2,000 people had entered over the previous 10 days, while Spanish media estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 may have crossed on Thursday alone.
