Ceuta (HRNW)- Spain has deployed its armed forces to restore order in the border city of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco, with reports indicating that at least 19 people lost their lives during the attempted crossing.
The move came after local authorities in Ceuta requested assistance from the central government following a major breach of the border. A large crowd of migrants reportedly broke through the border fence and entered Spanish territory.
The Spanish government announced that military personnel would assist the Civil Guard in maintaining security and restoring order in the city.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is also scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday, accompanied by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, to assess the situation.
The head of the association representing Spain’s Civil Guard officers told The Associated Press that the situation at the border was “complete chaos,” adding that although an exact figure could not be confirmed, thousands of migrants had crossed after the border security system was overwhelmed.
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