Military called in as migrants from Morocco pour into Spanish border territory
Spanish authorities have deployed military units to the enclave of Ceuta after over 40,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco. The event has resulted in multiple deaths and significant strain on local border security forces.
Why it matters
Illustrates the ongoing humanitarian and geopolitical crisis regarding migration routes into the European Union.
Spanish officials say more than 40,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain, via the North African enclave of Ceuta.
Footage showed hundreds of migrants swimming from the Moroccan side, and others breaking through a gate on land.
At least 18 people died during the crossing and Spanish government has deployed military units to reinforce police at the border.
Link copied Share Share article Spanish military units are being deployed to reinforce police in the city of Ceuta after migrants in Morocco broke through fences, overwhelming the local force.
Spain's interior ministry estimates more than 40,000 people swam, with 18 people declared dead from the process.
Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, said some migrants drowned in the crossing, and some are believed to have been killed in the stampede exiting the water.
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