18 migrants dead as thousands breach Morocco-Spain border, sparking Ceuta crisis

Ceuta (Spain): At least 18 migrants were killed while trying to enter the Spanish territory of Ceuta after thousands of people breached the border with Morocco, triggering a major humanitarian and security crisis, officials said.

According to local Civil Guard workers' association leader Rachid Sbihi, many of the victims drowned while attempting to swim across, while others died in a stampede near the breakwater fence at Tarajal Beach, close to the border crossing.

The mass crossing began on Thursday and continued overnight, with thousands of migrants, including families and unaccompanied children, entering the small Spanish enclave. Spain's state broadcaster RTVE aired footage showing burned vehicles on the Moroccan side of the border following reported clashes.

Sbihi described the situation as a "serious humanitarian crisis," saying thousands of migrants were sleeping in parks and on sidewalks, while others wandered the streets without shelter.

"People are still entering. The reinforcements that have arrived are only helping the injured and supporting humanitarian efforts. It's chaotic," he said.

Spanish Prime Minister to visit Ceuta

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday along with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation.

Video footage showed large groups of migrants, mostly young Moroccan men, walking around the breakwaters into Ceuta. Families with women and children were also among those crossing. Some shouted "Viva España!" as they entered the Spanish territory.

By late Thursday, people were still gathering on the Moroccan side in an attempt to cross, while others were seen returning from Ceuta to Morocco.

Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the incident, and the country's Interior Ministry has not responded to requests for clarification.

Cause of mass crossing remains unclear

The reason behind the sudden mass crossing remains unclear.

Spain remains one of the main entry points into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or fleeing violence. To reach Ceuta, many migrants swim around five kilometres from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, while others make the shorter crossing from nearby Belyounech.

The latest crisis follows a surge in attempted crossings earlier this week. Ceuta's regional government had already warned that migrant reception centres were overwhelmed, with hundreds of people sleeping on the streets.

Authorities seek stronger border security

Juan Jesús Vivas, the head of Ceuta’s regional government has urged the Spanish government to declare a national emergency and deploy additional police and military personnel to secure the border and restore order.

Meanwhile, the developments have also prompted political reactions elsewhere in Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy's participation in the Schengen open-border agreement with Spain, citing concerns over border security.

Spain's Interior Ministry has not confirmed the total number of migrants who have entered Ceuta in recent days. It said updated figures would be released in its next migration report on August 3.

The ministry added that government agencies are coordinating their response to the unfolding crisis but noted that Spanish emergency legislation does not classify migration flows as a national security threat.

Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Africa, has been under Spanish control since 1580 and has long served as one of Europe's key migration gateways from the African continent.

(With AP inputs)