Spain's PM heads to Ceuta after thousands breached border

Thousands of people, many of them minors, surged into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming border controls and leading to at least 18 deaths. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, accompanied by his interior minister and military personnel, headed to the territory on Friday amid the unfolding crisis.

Preliminary estimates suggest around 49,000 people entered Ceuta irregularly in recent days, a stark contrast to the 1,500 to 2,000 recorded just 24 hours prior. The enclave, with a population of approximately 85,000, found its migrant reception center completely overwhelmed. Reports indicated that some individuals were attempting to return to Morocco.

Authorities are investigating the reasons behind the sudden, massive influx. The Guardia Civil reportedly lost control of the border as the crowds pushed through. The Spanish government announced the deployment of military personnel to assist at the border, while reinforcements focused on humanitarian efforts and aiding the injured.

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People are still entering. The reinforcements that have arrived are only helping the injured and other humanitarian efforts.