Thousands of migrants have crossed the border of the Spanish enclave in North Africa, forcing Madrid to mobilize military forces to reinforce security in the territory. Spain has deployed military troops, naval units and air support to Ceuta after an unprecedented wave of migrants overwhelmed the capacity of local police and security services.
According to Spanish authorities, the migrants have managed to bypass border controls by climbing over protective barriers and swimming towards the shores of the enclave, which is located on the northern coast of Africa and is European Union territory.
Qindra emigrantë notojnë nga Maroku në enklavën spanjolle të Ceutës The military intervention was ordered on Thursday evening after a steady increase in arrivals. Diving teams, naval patrols and air operations have also been deployed to the area to control the border. According to the Spanish government, at least 18 people have died trying to cross to Ceuta.
Emergency services are focused on treating the injured, while reception centers are overwhelmed. Ceuta’s regional president, Juan Jesús Vivas, said that around 1,500 migrants have entered the enclave in recent days, while other local officials warn that the total number of crossing attempts could be much higher.
“We are in a situation of total humanitarian and social emergency,” said Vivas, emphasizing that reception centers for migrants and unaccompanied minors are operating beyond capacity. The crisis has also caused political clashes in Spain.
The opposition has criticized the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for its management of the borders, while the right-wing Vox party has called the situation an “invasion.” The Popular Party has called for a state of emergency to be declared.
Analysts have raised suspicions that Morocco’s easing of border controls could be linked to recent diplomatic developments between Madrid and North African countries. However, the Spanish government has said that Moroccan authorities are helping to stem the flow.
The European Union has offered assistance through the border agency Frontex, as Ceuta and Melilla are the EU’s only land border points with the African continent. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, said that protecting the EU’s external borders is a key element in the fight against illegal migration.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised an immediate response and assured that the government would take all necessary measures to manage the situation in Ceuta. /Telegraph