Thousands storm Spain’s Ceuta border
Thousands of migrants gathered overnight in the Moroccan town of Fnideq near the border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, creating fresh pressure on one of Europe’s busiest migration routes. The large movement of people came despite a major security operation launched by Moroccan and Spanish authorities to stop illegal border crossings.
Security forces strengthened patrols and reinforced checkpoints around the border. However, many migrants continued searching for ways to reach Ceuta. Some walked along the coastline looking for gaps in the border fence, while others prepared to swim across the sea in hopes of entering Spanish territory.
According to Spanish media reports, between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants managed to cross into Ceuta on Thursday. Most of the successful crossings reportedly took place before security measures were tightened later in the day.
Ceuta, along with the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla, is the European Union’s only land border with Africa. The two territories have long served as major entry points for migrants hoping to begin a new life in Europe.
Spain responded to the latest migration surge by sending additional military personnel and police officers to Ceuta. Authorities in the enclave also confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered following the crossing attempts, although officials have not released further details about the victims.
Moroccan authorities deployed water cannon vehicles and additional security personnel at the border. Officers repeatedly pushed back groups attempting to force their way through the crossing points. Despite the heavy presence, migrants continued gathering throughout the night.
Violence broke out near the border as tensions escalated. Several vehicles, including a bus and seven other vehicles, were set on fire during clashes. Burnt-out vehicles remained on the roadside after the unrest, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
Many migrants described scenes of panic and confusion. One migrant said he became trapped in a stampede as people rushed toward a narrow coastal route. He said he feared for his life as people pushed and stepped on one another while trying to reach the border.
Traffic into Fnideq remained heavily congested as more migrants continued arriving from different parts of Morocco. Some travelled along highways on foot, while others used mountain paths to avoid police checkpoints. Many spent the night waiting for another opportunity to cross.
The crowds included men, women and children from Morocco as well as several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Many families remained stranded near the border after repeated attempts to enter Ceuta were blocked.
Among them was 23-year-old Fatima Mahli from the Moroccan city of Tetouan. She said she had travelled with her two daughters hoping to cross into Ceuta with her husband. According to her, her husband left before dawn to try to swim across after they realised the border crossing was effectively closed.
