Spain will deploy military personnel to Ceuta to strengthen security after hundreds of undocumented migrants entered the North African territory from neighbouring Morocco, with more migrants reportedly heading towards the area.
The Spanish government delegation in Ceuta said the bodies of nine migrants who died while attempting to reach the territory by swimming were also recovered.
Migration from Morocco to Spain’s two North African territories, Ceuta and Melilla, has remained a politically sensitive issue between both countries, with thousands of migrants crossing the borders during certain periods.
AFP journalists witnessed groups of adults and children, many soaked from the journey, entering Ceuta after swimming across the waters to reach the Spanish territory.
“The armed forces will strengthen the Civil Guard in carrying out their duties and any other necessary tasks to maintain security in Ceuta,” Spain’s Interior Ministry said.
The ministry did not reveal the number of troops that would be deployed to the small territory, which covers 18.5 square kilometres, but said the Civil Guard presence there would be doubled from its current strength of 80 personnel.
Spain will also send diving teams and coastguard vessels as part of efforts to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, Italy called for Spain to be suspended from the European Schengen Zone, which allows passport-free movement across member states, prompting Spain to summon the Italian ambassador in Madrid.
The latest migrant influx has once again highlighted tensions surrounding border management and migration policies between European countries and their neighbouring regions.
