Spain has deployed military forces to the North African enclave of Ceuta following a massive attempt by undocumented migrants to enter the country. At least 57 people have died in the chaos, triggering a strong reaction from European nations and reigniting debates over migration policy.
Over the past two days, more than 50,000 migrants from Morocco attempted to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. According to Spanish authorities, most tried to cross the border by sea, bypassing barriers, or storming border checkpoints. At least 57 people lost their lives in the process.
Amid the crisis, the Spanish regime sent army and police units to Ceuta to restore control. By Friday evening, over 48,000 people had reportedly returned to Morocco voluntarily, aided by shortages of food and shelter, as well as heightened security measures.
The president of the autonomous city of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, described the situation as "absolutely unbearable."
Spanish officials claim the mass influx was fueled by false rumors spread by smugglers, who allegedly told migrants that a recent Supreme Court ruling would prevent rapid deportation of those arriving by sea.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Ceuta, where he was met by protesting locals. He allegedly stated that the incident constitutes a "direct violation of the country's territorial integrity" and emphasized that the authorities intend to fully restore border control.
Meanwhile, some experts suggest that Morocco's loosening of border controls may be linked to deteriorating relations between Rabat and Madrid following Sánchez's recent visit to Algeria, Morocco's main regional rival.
The events have caused widespread international resonance. Italy announced the temporary reinstatement of passport controls for air and sea travel with Spain, while France has multiplied police patrols along the shared border.
The US regime also criticized the situation, claiming the crisis is a result of insufficiently strict migration policies by the Spanish authorities. Moroccan authorities have not yet officially commented, and isolated clashes between migrants and security forces continue near the border.
Source: podrobno.uz