49,000 migrants cross into Spain's Ceuta in 24 hours, 18 dead

A record number of migrants have crossed into Spain's North African autonomous city of Ceuta, breaching the border with Morocco. According to the Spanish Ministry of Interior, at least 49,000 migrants have entered the city in the past 24 hours. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the death toll from attempts to enter Ceuta has risen to 18 .

According to Spanish public broadcaster TVE, approximately two to three thousand people managed to enter Ceuta on Thursday alone. Residents of the Moroccan border town of Fnideq reported that most of the migrants who successfully reached Spain crossed the border before noon.

Videos circulating on social media and international news outlets show hundreds of migrants arriving at Tarajal beach and then running towards the main road . Many swam or used floating devices such as inflatable rings to reach the shore. Most of those arriving were young men, though women, children and families were also seen. Some were heard chanting "Long live Spain" when they saw an Associated Press photographer.

A spokesperson for Spain's border guard force, the Guardia Civil, said many migrants had entered by sea through the Tarajal breakwater.

Rachid Swihi, head of the Guardia Civil officers' association in Ceuta, described the current situation as "complete chaos," adding, "The border system has completely collapsed. It is impossible to give an exact number, but thousands are entering simultaneously."

The Spanish government deployed additional troops and police officers to Ceuta on Thursday to bring the situation under control.

Ceuta and its neighbouring Melilla are the European Union's only land borders with Africa, making them a key transit point for thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Source: The Irish Times, BBC