Spanish authorities have acknowledged an 'extraordinary, exceptional situation' as hundreds of migrants swam from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described the situation as unprecedented.

Ceuta's government leader Juan Jesus Vivas told reporters that over 1,500 migrants, including minors, have reached the enclave in recent days. 'The reception centers are collapsed and saturated,' he said.

Spain's Civil Guard, Maritime Rescue Services, and the Red Cross rescued 117 migrants from the water. Moroccan authorities also reportedly intercepted dozens in their waters.

Grande-Marlaska praised Moroccan cooperation, calling the relationship 'close and based on loyalty.' However, the reasons behind the surge remain unclear.

The incident follows a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that migrants arriving by sea cannot be immediately pushed back. Activists doubt that ordinary Moroccans were aware of this ruling, dismissing a direct link.

Source: www.dw.com