Ceuta border crisis: Thousands of migrants cross from Morocco

A massive irregular migration event has occurred at the border between Morocco and the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta. Thousands of people have attempted to cross the border by swimming or via the El Tarajal pier.

The Guardia Civil has reported finding the bodies of 19 people following the influx. In the aftermath of the arrivals, fires have been reported in the El Tarajal area, affecting warehouses and some scrubland.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Ceuta to assess the situation on the ground. The event has triggered political tension, with the Spanish opposition and the Moroccan government exchanging accusations regarding responsibility for the border security lapse.