Spain has sent troops to bolster security in its North African enclave of Ceuta after about 49,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco.
Images of the incident show people swimming to Ceuta as others break through a border gate on land. It has sparked criticism across Europe, where migration is a sensitive political subject.
Spanish authorities said they would try to expel those who had entered illegally as quickly as possible. Both Spain and Morocco have reinforced the enclave's border fence and appeared to have stopped the mass crossings. At least 19 dead bodies were found in the water.
Madrid said 200 specialised police officers and 60 troops had arrived from the Spanish mainland to reinforce security personnel in Ceuta. The European Commission has offered assistance through the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are to travel to Ceuta on Friday for meetings with security forces and local authorities, Mr Sanchez's office said. The government blamed a court ruling earlier this month that said those arriving to Ceuta by sea could not be immediately expelled.
The Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla, also in northern Morocco, represent the EU's only land borders with Africa. Both cities have experienced surges in crossings as migrants attempt to reach Europe.
Italian dispute
Spain faced a chorus of alarm from its European neighbours, with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saying her government was prepared to "intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and the safety of citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain."
The decision of reinstating border controls in the Schengen area can only be decided by concerned states or following the recommendation of the European Commission. Spain has always maintained identity checks on flights and ferries to Ceuta.
The Spanish left-wing government's pro-migration policy is at odds with most of Europe, including Italy's far-right-government. Anti-migration political parties hold sway across the continent.
Rome's criticism prompted Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares to summon the Italian ambassador in Spain. “This message is unbecoming of the foreign minister of a partner and friendly country from which we expect European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery,” Mr Albares said.
France also expressed alarm, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez saying he had asked for reinforced border controls at the Spanish border.
“Maybe before [Spain] continues lecturing us, it’s time it explained to the world why it still maintains colonial enclaves in Africa,” said Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon.
Moroccan role
Spain and Morocco are co-operating to resolve Thursday's incident, Mr Albares said. The comments appeared to be aimed at dismissing rumours that the mass arrival was orchestrated by Morocco in retaliation to Mr Sanchez's recent visit to Algeria, which has rejected Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara region.
Morocco presented a plan to the UN Security Council in 2007 to allow the region to enjoy autonomy under its sovereign rule, a move supported by countries including France.
-
People gather on a hilltop close to the site of clashes near Fnideq, on the Moroccan side of the border. AFP -
Spanish Army personnel are deployed at the Tarajal border crossing in Ceuta after violent clashes along the border perimeter. EPA -
People gather along the fence at the site of clashes near Fnideq, on the Morocco-Spain border. AFP -
Thousands of migrants crossed overnight from Morocco into Spain's north Africa's Ceuta enclave. AFP -
People gather next to an overturned police vehicle at the site of clashes near Fnideq, on the Morocco-Spain border. AFP -
Migrants arrive in Spanish territory in North Africa after swimming across the Ceuta border from Morocco. Reuters -
Migrants clamber on to rocks near the border fence in Ceuta. Reuters -
Migrants travel along the coast on foot as they attempt to cross into the North African enclave from Morocco. Reuters -
A member of Spain's Civil Guard keeps watch as migrants enter Ceuta. Reuters -
People celebrate after swimming from Moroccan territory to Ceuta. Reuters -
Spain says it is to send military personnel to restore order in the border area. Reuters -
People gather on a hillside near Bab Sebta, on the border between Morocco and Spain. AFP -
Hundreds arrived in Morocco's northern town of Fnideq, before attempting the crossing into Ceuta. AFP
Late on Thursday, Moroccan authorities aimed water cannons at migrants in Fnideq, a Moroccan town near the Ceuta border, to deter them from crossing.
“It was very tough. The police tried to stop us. But our will and determination allowed us to come here,” migrant Jadid Zacaria said after reaching Ceuta.
Some migrants shouted “long live Spain” as they entered the enclave.
Footage from local media and human rights organisations appeared to show unrest at the Beni Ansar border point between Morocco and Melilla late on Thursday. The site has been the only open crossing between Morocco and Melilla for the past six years.
At least three vehicles were set on fire and injuries were reported among migrants and security personnel during the violence, said Omar Naji, vice president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights.
