Thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta on Thursday, with some shouting “Viva España!” as they entered the territory. The mass crossing prompted Ceuta officials to ask Madrid to declare a national emergency and request military intervention.
This latest surge in arrivals has drawn comparisons to the 2021 border crisis, when more than 8,000 migrants entered the enclave in just two days. The rapid influx overwhelmed local authorities, leading to significant logistical and security challenges.
The situation highlights the ongoing migration pressures faced by Spain's enclaves in North Africa, which serve as the European Union's only land borders with the continent. The crossing occurred amid broader regional migration dynamics and diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco.