18 migrants die as thousands storm Spanish enclave Ceuta from Morocco

At least 18 migrants died, primarily from drowning, as thousands attempted to breach Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in a large-scale rush. Migrants began making attempts to reach the territory mainly by swimming from Morocco, with a steady stream of people arriving throughout the night and into Friday morning.

A police source told AFP that authorities struggled to determine the exact number of successful crossings due to the sheer volume of people. Footage from Thursday showed large crowds, predominantly Moroccans, moving along breakwaters and into nearby roads, including young men and families with women and children.

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There was a steady stream of people all night long. Although the number of arrivals reduced compared with daytime movements, migrants continued to arrive overnight and are still arriving on Friday morning.

Rachid Sbihi, representing Civil Guard officers, stated that most fatalities were due to drowning, while others died in a stampede as migrants tried to force their way through a breakwater fence at Tarajal beach. Spain's Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 49,000 migrants entered Ceuta within a 24-hour period via sea and land routes.

In response, the Spanish government announced plans to deploy the military to bolster security alongside the Civil Guard. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska were expected to visit Ceuta to assess the situation. Ceuta and the nearby enclave of Melilla are primary entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe from Africa.

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Most of the 18 fatalities were caused by drowning, while others died during a stampede as migrants attempted to force their way through the breakwater fence at Tarajal beach.