At least 18 irregular migrants attempting to reach Spain's North African territory of Ceuta via sea have died on the Moroccan border.
The irregular migration influx in Spain's North African territory of Ceuta has led to casualties. According to information reflected in the Spanish media, 18 irregular migrants attempting to cross from Morocco to Spanish territory by sea have died. Following the entry of thousands of irregular migrants into Ceuta by crossing the borders, the Spanish government deployed armed forces to the region to support the civil guards.
Upon the mass crossing attempt by thousands of irregular migrants, the Beni Enzar border gate, the only active crossing point between Spain and Morocco in the neighboring region of Melilla, was also closed to traffic. Authorities called on local residents to stay away from the border line to facilitate ongoing security operations.
Ceuta and Melilla, which form the only land border of the European Union (EU) with Africa, have long been among the main crossing points for irregular migrants seeking to reach Europe.
