'Absolute Chaos': Thousands Storm Into Spain From Morocco In Major Border Breach, 9 Dead
'Absolute Chaos': Thousands Storm Into Spain From Morocco In Major Border Breach, 9 Dead Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 03:08 IST Large crowds
'Absolute Chaos': Thousands Storm Into Spain From Morocco In Major Border Breach, 9 Dead Published By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 03:08 IST Large crowds of migrants entered the Spanish territory by swimming across from Morocco, walking along coastal areas and breaching border barriers. Migrants gather on and around a Guardia Civil boat as they swim through Spain's Ceuta border from the Moroccan side, in Ceuta. (Atlas via Reuters) Spain deployed military units to its North African territory of Ceuta on Thursday after thousands of migrants crossed from nearby Morocco in a mass border breach, leaving at least nine people dead during the attempt. Large crowds of migrants entered the Spanish territory by swimming across from Morocco, walking along coastal areas and breaching border barriers, overwhelming local security forces. Spanish authorities said bodies were recovered from the waters during the chaos. Military Deployed As Situation Escalates Spain’s government said the Armed Forces would support the Civil Guard in restoring security in Ceuta, after local authorities requested urgent reinforcements.
The Spanish government also announced that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would visit Ceuta on Friday along with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to meet security officials and local authorities. Rachid Sbihi, head of a Civil Guard officers’ association in Ceuta, described the situation as “absolute chaos", saying thousands of migrants had crossed and the border had “totally collapsed". Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta is facing a humanitarian and security emergency after about 1,500 migrants swam across from Morocco in the past week.Ceuta’s leader, Juan Jesus Vivas, said reception centers are overwhelmed, with hundreds sleeping outdoors and facilities… pic.twitter.com/g0gySeOkAt — Clash Report (@clashreport) July 30, 2026 Video footage showed large groups of people, mostly young men, moving through the area after crossing from Morocco. Families, including women and children, were also seen among those arriving. Spain’s Interior Ministry said Moroccan authorities were cooperating with Spanish officials to control the situation and stop further crossings.
Both countries agreed to work together on the return of people who entered Ceuta illegally. Spain-Morocco Border Crisis Spanish authorities said around 200 specialised police officers and 60 soldiers were sent from mainland Spain to reinforce security forces in Ceuta. The latest incident has brought back memories of a similar migration surge in 2021, when around 10,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco over several days. Migration into Spain’s North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla has long been a sensitive issue between Madrid and Rabat. Thousands of migrants attempt to cross into the territories each year, often risking their lives through dangerous sea routes or border crossings. Local authorities said at least 60 migrants have died in recent months while attempting to reach Ceuta. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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