Hundreds of migrants swim from Morocco to Spanish enclave of Ceuta
The territory's leader said the influx is overwhelming resources and urged the Spanish government to intervene.
Hundreds of migrants have recently made the perilous swim from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave, prompting its leader to call for urgent intervention from the Spanish government. Juan Jesús Vivas, Ceuta's leader, stated that the influx is straining local resources. Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, is anticipated to visit on Friday, as reported by Reuters.
Visual evidence from Thursday depicted migrants swimming, some utilizing inflatable rings and other flotation aids, to reach Ceuta. Others were seen breaching a border fence. Ceuta, situated on Morocco's northern coast and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, has historically been a key destination for migrants seeking to enter Europe.
Reports on the exact number of individuals who crossed vary, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands. Spanish media, according to Reuters, estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered Ceuta on Thursday, though the Guardia Civil has not confirmed these figures. Conversely, Spain's public broadcaster RTVE reported "hundreds" crossed into the territory on Thursday and noted that over 1,500, predominantly young Moroccan migrants, had arrived in Ceuta over the past two weeks.
Vivas, as reported by RTVE, also revealed that 60 bodies had been recovered at sea in recent months. He further described the situation as a humanitarian and security crisis, highlighting that reception centers for unaccompanied minors are operating significantly beyond their intended capacity, according to Reuters.
This surge in arrivals has drawn parallels to May 2021, when approximately 8,000 people entered Ceuta within a few days, escalating diplomatic tensions with Morocco. Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's enclaves in North Africa, constitute the European Union's sole land border with the African continent. Despite Spanish authorities enhancing security around these enclaves in recent years through increased surveillance, barrier reinforcement, and improved bilateral relations with Morocco, individuals continue to attempt the crossing.