rki.news | Source: Anadolu
MADRID: Nearly 49,000 irregular migrants from Morocco have entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in recent days, according to provisional estimates reported Friday, placing significant pressure on local authorities.
Spanish news agency EFE said the figures remain preliminary, although state broadcaster RTVE reported that government officials had confirmed the estimate. If verified, the influx would increase Ceuta’s population of just over 80,000 by almost 50%, according to El Pais.
Reports indicated that thousands of migrants who crossed into Ceuta have already begun returning to Morocco, with departures now exceeding new arrivals as the border situation gradually stabilizes.
Authorities also reported a rising death toll. According to El Pais, police had recovered 27 bodies by midday Friday, with most victims believed to have drowned while attempting to swim around the border.
Earlier, hundreds of migrants reportedly clashed with security forces near the border fences separating Morocco from Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government had mobilized all available resources to manage the crisis. Officials also announced the deployment of the armed forces to assist the Civil Guard in maintaining security across Ceuta.