Thousands of migrants have entered the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta from Morocco, triggering a humanitarian and security emergency. Estimates suggest up to 2,000 people have entered the territory in recent days, with many swimming across or jumping over the border fence. Video footage shows crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach to gain entry onto local roads.
At least nine deaths have been reported during the attempts to reach the territory. Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, has described the situation as a total humanitarian and social emergency. Local authorities have urged the central government in Madrid to declare a national emergency and requested army intervention as police lost control.
Madrid has announced it will deploy the military to restore order and secure the border as more migrants attempt to reach the territory by sea. The arrivals have fueled political tensions, and the Italian government is considering suspending the EU Schengen agreement with Spain in light of the crisis.