Spain will deploy its military to help restore order along its border with Morocco in the North African enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants surged into the Spanish territory, with at least 34 people dying during the crossing.
The move came after authorities in Ceuta appealed to Spain's central government for additional support as the border situation spiraled out of control Thursday, when large crowds breached the frontier fence.
The Spanish government said the Armed Forces would assist the Civil Guard in maintaining security across Ceuta. It also announced that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska would travel to the enclave Friday to assess the situation.
"The situation is absolute chaos," Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Civil Guard officers stationed along Ceuta's border, told The Associated Press (AP). "It's not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing," he said, adding that the border had "totally collapsed."
More than 800 illegal migrants, who set off from the shores of Castillejos town in Morocco, arrive at Ceuta, Spain, July 30, 2026. (AA Photo)
