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Ceuta: A major border crisis erupted on Thursday in Ceuta—a small Spanish ( Spanish) territory—when thousands of migrants from Morocco crossed the border en masse into Spanish territory. Reports indicate that at least 60 people have died in the chaos surrounding this influx of migrants entering Spain from the Muslim-majority nation. The situation deteriorated to such an extent that the Spanish government decided to deploy the army to restore order at the border. Following the incident, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that he would visit Ceuta on Friday alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
How exactly did the migrants enter Spain from Morocco?
Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located on the coast of North Africa. Although surrounded by Morocco, it is administratively part of Spain; thus, anyone reaching Ceuta effectively reaches the border of the European Union. People from various African nations attempt to reach this area in hopes of finding better employment, a safer life, and refuge from violence. On Thursday morning, large numbers of people suddenly began crossing the border from the Moroccan side. Many reached Spanish streets on foot by traversing the breakwater at Tarajal Beach. While the majority were young men, the crowd also included women and families with small children.
Why did the government have to send the army to Ceuta?
The Ceuta administration had requested additional security forces and army troops from the central government in Madrid. Consequently, the Spanish government announced that the army would be deployed to assist the Civil Guard in restoring security within the city. Juan Jesús Vivas, the regional leader of Ceuta, also demanded the declaration of a national emergency, citing national security concerns. He stated that additional police and military forces were needed to ensure border security and the safety of citizens. Rejecting his demand, Spain’s Interior Ministry said,
