Spain: 9 dead amid influx of migrants from Morocco

The Spanish government deployed armed forces stationed in the North African enclave of Ceuta on Thursday to support the Civil Guard, after thousands of migrants crossed into the enclave from neighboring Morocco. At the same time, Spanish media reported that at least nine migrants had died while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave by sea.

Reports indicated that the armed forces would reinforce the Civil Guard in carrying out its duties, operating under the coordination of the Armed Forces Operations Command, as the influx of thousands of migrants continued, significantly straining reception facilities and local security services.

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior announced an agreement between Spain and Morocco to enhance coordination in responding to the migration situation and to expedite the return of irregular migrants to Ceuta. Meanwhile, Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home and Migration, expressed on the X platform that the European Union is ready to increase support for Spain through Frontex, while engaging with Moroccan authorities to prevent illegal crossings.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday, as the government intensifies its response to the crisis.

Along with Melilla, Ceuta is one of two Spanish autonomous cities on the North African coast and constitutes the European Union’s only land border with Africa.