Hundreds of migrants swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta
Hundreds of migrants have crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming local resources and prompting calls for government intervention. The surge has raised humanitarian concerns and renewed diplomatic tensions regarding the EU's only land border with Africa.
Why it matters
The influx highlights the ongoing migration crisis at European borders and the complex diplomatic relationship between Spain and Morocco.
Figure caption, Migrants swim to Spain's Ceuta from Morocco in mass crossing
Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past week, the territory's leader has said .
Juan Jesús Vivas said the influx is overwhelming resources and urged the Spanish government to intervene. Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is expected to visit on Friday, according to news agency Reuters.
Footage showed migrants swimming and using inflatable rings and other flotation devices to swim to Ceuta on Thursday, while others ran through a gate in the border fence.
Ceuta, on Morocco's northern coast, is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar and has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
There are conflicting reports on the scale of the crossing, with figures ranging from hundreds to thousands of people.
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