At least 18 people have died as thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, creating one of the largest migration crises along the country’s border.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Ceuta on Friday as authorities intensified efforts to manage the situation.
Police sources say around 40,000 migrants have crossed into the territory in recent days, with many swimming around the border barrier separating Morocco from the Spanish enclave.
Spain has deployed troops and additional police personnel, including divers, drones and boats, to strengthen security and support authorities dealing with the influx.
Hundreds of men, women and children were seen entering Ceuta through the Mediterranean Sea, using flotation devices to make the crossing.
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Authorities say at least 18 people have died while attempting to reach the enclave, while migrants continued arriving overnight and into Friday.
The cause of the sudden surge remains unclear, although the development has drawn comparisons with the 2021 migration crisis when more than 10,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco within two days.
The latest influx has also triggered diplomatic tensions across Europe. Italy called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen open-border zone, while Finland backed the proposal.
Spain rejected the call and summoned Italy’s ambassador, accusing Rome of politicising the migration crisis.
France has also ordered tighter checks along its border with Spain following the increase in migrant arrivals.
Moroccan authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the situation, although a Moroccan official said both countries had been in contact over the crisis.
Ceuta and the neighbouring Spanish enclave of Melilla remain the European Union’s only land borders with Africa and are major routes for migrants attempting to enter Europe.
