Spanish government deploys army to contain migrant crisis in Ceuta

The Spanish government is deploying the army to bolster security in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on North Africa's coast, which has been overwhelmed by a massive influx of migrants arriving from Morocco. The decision escalates Madrid's response to the crisis unfolding at Europe's southern border, where hundreds of people were still gathered near the border fence on Thursday, while others attempted to swim to the Spanish territory.

At least 11 migrants drowned in the past 24 hours while trying to reach Ceuta by sea. Local authorities report that nearly 70 bodies have been recovered from the sea in the past 12 months from individuals attempting the perilous journey. The Spanish Civil Guard recovered two more bodies from the sea on Thursday, bringing the day's death toll to 11.

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The Armed Forces will reinforce the Civil Guard in the exercise of their responsibilities and in those tasks that may be necessary to maintain security in the city of Ceuta.

Madrid has also agreed with Rabat to implement measures to return "as soon as possible" to Morocco all individuals who have entered Ceuta illegally. The deployment of the armed forces follows a plea from Ceuta's mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, who described the situation as an "absolute humanitarian and social emergency" and requested extraordinary measures from the central government. He had urged Madrid to declare a national emergency due to security concerns and requested more police and military personnel for border control.

While the Interior Ministry clarified that a national emergency cannot be declared for an immigration-related crisis, it assured that it would guarantee the protection of residents and border integrity. Spanish police sources estimate that more than 10,000 people have entered the enclave, with some estimates reaching up to 20,000. The operation is expanding, with additional police units being deployed alongside the army's support.

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absolute humanitarian and social emergency