Spanish authorities reported that approximately 70,000 migrants who entered the enclave of Ceuta have been turned back or departed the territory. Furthermore, the death toll resulting from the large-scale crisis at the Moroccan border has reached 75 people, according to Spanish officials. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that out of the approximately 72,000 individuals who crossed into Ceuta during the recent wave of migration, around 70,000 were returned to Morocco.
He indicated that the Spanish authorities’ response was prompt and that the situation at the border has since stabilized. The crisis was triggered by a mass migration event from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Media reports detailed that thousands of people attempted entry by crossing the land border and swimming around established barriers.
Authorities reported multiple fatalities during the crossing attempts, primarily attributed to drowning and the disorder caused by the large number of people. Although the majority of migrants were returned to Morocco, several thousand individuals remained in Ceuta, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors. This has placed considerable strain on local services and reception centers.
The incident has intensified debate within the European Union regarding the need to reinforce external borders, combat smuggling operations, and improve the management of irregular migration flows. Following the events in Ceuta, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for stronger measures to safeguard European borders.
Topics: #spanish #migrants #ceuta
