- At least 18 people died as thousands of migrants breached the Spanish-Moroccan border in Ceuta; more than 49,000 people are believed to have swum or walked into the enclave over the past 24 hours.
- Spain's government delegation in Ceuta initially reported at least nine deaths on Thursday; an interior ministry spokesperson later confirmed the number had risen to 18, with some 49,000 migrants crossing in 24 hours.
- Rachid Sbihin, head of the association representing Civil Guard officers in Ceuta, described a serious humanitarian crisis, saying people were still entering and that "It's chaotic."
- Among the 18 dead, many drowned and some were killed in a stampede to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach.
- Thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied children, were left without shelter, sleeping in parks and sidewalks in Ceuta.
- The reported figure dwarfs the 10,000 people who entered Ceuta during the 2021 border crisis; the enclave’s population is around 85,000.
- Madrid said it would guarantee citizens' safety and border integrity but could not declare a national emergency; Mr Vivas had called for one and for the army to be deployed.
- Italy reacted to the crisis, with Premier Giorgia Meloni threatening to suspend the open-border Schengen agreement with Spain and Deputy PM Antonio Tajani backing the closure.
The death toll has risen to at least 18 as a staggering 49,000 migrants breached the Spanish-Moroccan border in Ceuta, overwhelming local authorities and prompting military intervention. The situation has been described as a serious humanitarian crisis by Rachid Sbihin, head of the Civil Guard association.3456
The influx of migrants, which dwarfs the 10,000 who entered during the 2021 border crisis, has left many without shelter, with reports of unaccompanied children sleeping in parks and on sidewalks. “People have continued to arrive in Ceuta throughout the night,” said a local official, highlighting the chaos that has gripped the city.8910
Among the deceased, many drowned while others were killed in a stampede at Tarajal beach. The Spanish government has deployed extra troops and police to manage the crisis, but local leaders argue that the response is insufficient. “It’s chaotic,” Sbihin stated, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian needs.7
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta, while the opposition calls for a national emergency declaration to bolster security. The situation has also drawn international attention, with Italy's leaders threatening to suspend Spain from the Schengen Area, citing security concerns over uncontrolled immigration.1112
As the crisis unfolds, the Spanish government faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian needs and ensure border security amidst a growing influx of migrants.
“Spain's interior ministry says an estimated 49,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta in 24 hours, with many drowning and some killed in a stampede at Tarajal beach. Thousands, including unaccompanied children, are sleeping in parks and sidewalks, while Italy's Giorgia Meloni threatens to suspend the Schengen agreement with Spain.”
The Guardian
