Authorities in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta request urgent action from the government in Madrid after thousands of migrants enter the territory from neighbouring Morocco, according to multiple outlets. Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, calls for a national emergency and asks Madrid to take over or strengthen management of the situation. Several reports say Ceuta also requests military assistance and the deployment of troops to help with border security.
Accounts describe large crowds reaching Ceuta over a short period, including people swimming, wading, and moving along beaches and breakwaters near the border. Videos cited by some outlets show people walking around breakwaters to try to gain entry, as well as crowds moving across local roads. One report says police lose control as people breach the border area.
Other coverage states that Spain prepares to send troops following the request from Ceuta. The articles collectively describe an intensification of arrivals by sea and on foot and an immediate effort by local and national authorities to respond to the influx and maintain border control.
