Thousands of migrants gathered overnight in the Moroccan border town of Fnideq in another attempt to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, despite a reinforced security deployment that prevented most from crossing.
Spanish state broadcaster TVE reported that between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants entered Ceuta on Thursday. Residents of Fnideq said most of those who made it across appeared to have crossed before midday, before security measures were further tightened.
Ceuta, along with the nearby Spanish autonomous city of Melilla in northern Morocco, forms the European Union's only land border with Africa. Both enclaves have long been flashpoints for migration, with periodic surges of people attempting to reach Europe.
Spain sends military, police reinforcements
Spain sent military and police reinforcements to Ceuta after the surge, while authorities in the enclave said nine bodies had been recovered.
