An official says approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in the recent surge, updating an earlier estimate of 49,000–50,000. The figure, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the crisis.
A new official estimate puts the number of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta during the recent surge at approximately 60,000, up from earlier figures of 49,000–50,000 reported just hours earlier. The update comes as the crisis continues to unfold, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arriving in Ceuta earlier today and describing the mass entry as 'an attack on national sovereignty' (The Zioneer, 14:33). The new figure, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in a crisis that has already strained local resources to near breaking point.
The crisis first emerged on Thursday evening, when Spain announced a troop deployment to Ceuta (The Zioneer, 20:54). By Friday morning, the Interior Ministry estimated 49,000 migrants had entered in 24 hours (The Zioneer, 10:56), a figure quickly updated to 50,000 (The Zioneer, 20:54). A court ruling at 12:02 Jerusalem blocked the immediate repatriation of migrants arriving by sea, complicating the government's response. Reports indicate at least 27 people have died during crossing attempts (The Zioneer, 14:33). Spain has also boosted security deployments, including divers, to manage the influx (The Zioneer, 12:56).
The enclave of Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast, has long been a flashpoint for migration from Morocco. The current surge has triggered an emergency repatriation agreement between Madrid and Rabat, as The Zioneer reported earlier. The Zioneer has also noted the broader geopolitical implications, with the enclave serving as a barometer for regional stability.
The figure of 60,000 remains to be independently confirmed. The number of migrants still in the enclave or repatriated is unclear, and the situation continues to develop.
8 developments
- StrongCeuta residents chase migrants, Spanish police unable to control unrest, reports say
- DevelopingVideos show Spain border gate still open, migrants flowing, bodies on ground
- StrongNew court ruling blocks immediate return of migrants to Spain; local governor warns of 'chaos' as influx continues
- DevelopingCeuta migrants seek places to sleep without property owners' consent, reports say
Source and signal
- Open-source intake