Spain deploys army tanks after more than 5,000 migrants enter Ceuta: at least one dead

An unusually large group of some 5,000 Moroccans, many of whom are minors or families, illegally entered the North African enclave of Ceuta on Mondaysaid a spokesperson for the Spanish government delegation to that country.

A person died tryingnoted the spokesperson.

Crowds of people, mostly young people, swam to the beach, some running or showing thumbs up, according to images from the local newspaper Faro, in an action that started at night and intensified during the day.

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, on the northern coast of Morocco, have long attracted African immigrants trying to reach Europe. looking for a better life.

However, Monday’s high number – which included around 1500 minersthe spokesperson said – it was quickly followed by the announcement from the Spanish authorities that they would increase their security in the region.

Spain will act “With a cool head”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha González Laya, in a radio interview SER chain, adding that the authorities had already started to return the new arrivals to Morocco.

Spanish and Moroccan authorities maintained contacts in the afternoon on what was happening in Ceuta, he said.

The arrival of immigrants took place at a time of more tension between Spain and Morocco by Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front supported by Algeria, hospitalized in Spain.

Last month, the Moroccan foreign ministry released a strong statement lamenting what she saw as a decision by Spain to admit Ghali under a false identity without informing Morocco, and said Spain’s move would affect their relationship.

The United States has recognized the Moroccan sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara, which is also claimed as an independent state by the Polisario Front.

Ghali was received in Spain for humanitarian reasons, González Laya told Cadena SER radio, adding that he believed the influx of immigrants was not a response to the plight of the Polisario Front leader, insisting on the that the arrival of immigrants “This is not the result of a misunderstanding”.

“(Spain) was very clear and detailed about what is specific. It is a humanitarian question, a request for humanitarian aid from a person in a very fragile health situation“, He assured.

The European Commissioner for the Interior, Ylva johansson, asked Morocco on Tuesday to “Stay engaged” in the fight against irregular immigration, after the “unprecedented” entry into Ceuta of more than 6,000 migrants.

“It is important that Morocco remains determined to prevent the departure of illegal immigrants”Johansson said, calling it “worrying” that “at least 6,000 people, many children, have swam to Ceuta, putting their lives in danger” and that one person has died.

“The borders of Spain are European borders”underlined the commissioner, who underlined that the European Union “wishes a relationship with Morocco based on confidence”.

(With information from Reuters and EFE)

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