Key facts
- Thousands of migrants breached the border from Morocco into Spain's exclave of Ceuta.
- At least 18 migrants died during the crossing attempts, some by drowning and others in a stampede.
- Spain deployed military reinforcements to Ceuta to manage the humanitarian crisis.
- Migrants, including unaccompanied children, are left without shelter in Ceuta.
- The situation is described as chaotic, with people still entering the territory.
Thousands of migrants have entered Spain's North African exclave of Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming local authorities and prompting Spain to deploy military and police reinforcements. At least 18 migrants died trying to reach the territory, with some drowning and others killed in a stampede at the border fence. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta, where the situation has been described as a serious humanitarian crisis. Thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied children, are left without shelter, sleeping in parks and on sidewalks. Video footage showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, crossing into the territory. It remains unclear what prompted the surge in arrivals.