Spain deploys military to Ceuta as thousands cross border from Morocco and at least nine die
Spain is deploying its military to the enclave of Ceuta following a surge of thousands of migrants crossing the border from Morocco. The situation has resulted in at least nine deaths and prompted a high-level government response.
Why it matters
The crisis underscores the ongoing geopolitical challenges regarding migration, border security, and humanitarian concerns in North Africa and Europe.
Migrants cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday. Antonio Sempere/The Associated Press
Spain will deploy its military to restore order at its border with Morocco in Ceuta after thousands of migrants streamed into the tiny Spanish territory, with at least nine dying in the attempt.
The announcement came after local authorities in Ceuta had asked the central government in Madrid for reinforcements to manage a border crisis that boiled over Thursday with large crowds of people breaching the border fence.
Spain’s government said it would send the Armed Forces to help the Civil Guard “maintain security in the city of Ceuta.” It also announced that Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would join Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in a visit to Ceuta on Friday.
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