Spain Deploys Military to Ceuta After Migrant Surge from Morocco; 34 Dead, 2,000 Cross Border
Spain deployed military forces to Ceuta on July 30, 2026, to secure the border after thousands of migrants from Morocco breached the enclave. At least 34 people died in the chaos, with conflicting reports of 18 and nine fatalities. The crisis has prompted calls for suspending the EU Schengen agreement with Spain.
Where Sources Diverge
Al Jazeera reported 34 deaths, while BBC World reported 18 deaths.
At least 34 people reported killed trying to cross into the Spanish enclave bordering Morocco.
At least 18 people drown as migrants try to swim to Spanish territory amid scenes of chaos at the border.
France 24 and BBC World reported different numbers of deaths, with France 24 citing 9 deaths and BBC World citing 18.
Nine bodies have been recovered, a Spanish government spokeswoman said Thursday.
At least 18 people drown as migrants try to swim to Spanish territory amid scenes of chaos at the border.
Timelines
Sources
At least 34 people reported killed trying to cross into the Spanish enclave bordering Morocco.
At least 18 people drown as migrants try to swim to Spanish territory amid scenes of chaos at the border.
Madrid on Thursday said it would deploy soldiers to Ceuta to ensure security after hundreds of migrants entered the Spanish north African exclave from Morocco, mainly by swimming, and reported nine deaths. The Italian government is considering suspending the EU Schengen agreement with Spain in light of the migrant crisis in Ceuta. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris reports from Madrid.
Authorities in the Spanish city of Ceuta asked Madrid to declare a national emergency and send military assistance. Crowds of people breached the border of the territory next to Morocco as police lost control.
The territory's leader said the influx is overwhelming resources and urged the Spanish government to intervene.
Estimates suggest up to 2,000 have entered the Spanish territory in recent days in an attempt to reach Europe.
Spain will deploy military units to support police in Ceuta after hundreds of migrants breached the border fences from Morocco on Thursday, overwhelming local security forces. Nine bodies have been recovered, a Spanish government spokeswoman said Thursday.