Spain Deploys Military to Ceuta After Border Crisis

Sandego.net – Spain deploys military to Ceuta following a dramatic border incident where thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco, leaving at least nine people dead. The deployment comes after local authorities requested reinforcements from Madrid to address a growing crisis that erupted on Thursday when large crowds breached the border fence. Spain’s government confirmed it would send Armed Forces to assist the Civil Guard in maintaining security throughout the city of Ceuta.

Border Situation Escalates

“The situation is absolute chaos,” explained Rachid Sbihi, head of the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers in Ceuta. He noted that while precise numbers remain unclear, thousands of migrants are crossing as the border has “totally collapsed.” Achraf Maimouni from the Moroccan Association for Human Rights described conditions as exceptional, with the Tarajal border opening under unusual circumstances that morning.

Video footage captured crowds of people, primarily Moroccans, walking across breakwaters at Tarajal beach onto local roads. While most appeared to be young men, families with women and small children were also present. Some migrants shouted “Viva España!” to a freelance photographer working for the Associated Press.

Deaths and Response

Spain’s government delegation in Ceuta confirmed at least nine fatalities occurred during Thursday’s chaos. Bodies were observed floating in the water, though specific circumstances of the deaths remain unclear. Local authorities report that dozens have died this year attempting to reach Ceuta.

The escalation follows a surge of migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday. Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the crossings, though Spain’s interior ministry stated the Moroccan government is “closely cooperating” with Spain. Moroccan police are reportedly stopping “numerous people” attempting to cross the border.

Both countries agreed to work together “for the return, as soon as possible, of all the people who entered Ceuta illegally.”

Spain’s interior ministry announced it would guarantee citizen safety and border integrity but could not declare a national emergency as local authorities requested. The situation also created ripple effects in Italy, where Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy’s open-border Schengen agreement with Spain to defend their borders.

Causes and Context

Ceuta authorities previously linked the spike to a Spanish Supreme Court decision earlier this month. This ruling stated that migrants arriving by sea cannot be immediately pushed back across the border without due process, unlike those who cross by land. However, some Moroccan activists doubted the ruling was responsible, arguing most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions.

To reach Ceuta, located on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering approximately 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). Others attempt the crossing from nearby Belyounech, where the distance is shorter. These scenes recall the border crisis of May 2021 when more than 8,000 migrants poured into Ceuta within just two days.

During that earlier crisis, Morocco was accused of easing border controls after Spain allowed Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali to receive treatment at a Spanish hospital, triggering a diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Madrid. Juan Jesús Vivas, head of Ceuta’s regional government, called for the national government to declare an emergency on national security grounds, requesting additional police and army deployment on the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Spain deploying military to Ceuta?

Spain is deploying military forces to Ceuta to help restore order after thousands of migrants crossed the border from Morocco, resulting in at least nine deaths and creating what officials described as “absolute chaos” at the border.

How many people crossed the border?

While precise numbers are unavailable, officials reported that thousands of migrants crossed the border, with the Civil Guard stating the border had “totally collapsed” during the incident.

What caused the border crisis?

The crisis was linked to a Spanish Supreme Court decision that prevented immediate pushbacks of sea arrivals without due process, though some experts believe other factors may have contributed to the surge.

What is Spain’s response to the situation?

Spain is sending Armed Forces to assist the Civil Guard, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez planning to visit Ceuta. The government is working with Morocco to return migrants who entered illegally while maintaining border integrity.