Migrant deaths rise to 18 in massive crossing into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco

The number ‌of people who died on Thursday trying ‌to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta ​in North Africa rose to 18, as migrants rushed by sea and ​land from Morocco, a Spanish Interior Ministry ⁠spokesperson said on Friday.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said on Friday that according to its estimates some 49,000 migrants had crossed into the enclave of Ceuta in North Africa over past 24 hours, as they rushed by sea and land from Morocco. ​

Most of those ​who succeeded in crossing appeared ‌to have done so ​before midday, according to residents of ⁠the Moroccan ⁠city ​of Fnideq.

Spain sent military and police reinforcements to Ceuta on Thursday after the surge.

Ceuta, along with Melilla, another Spanish autonomous city in northern ‌Morocco, represents ⁠the European Union’s only land border with Africa.

Both cities ‌periodically experience surges in attempted crossings by ​migrants seeking to ​reach Europe.

It was not immediately clear what prompted so many migrants to cross to Ceuta.

Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the crossings, and Morocco’s interior ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The escalation at the frontier between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday.

The chaos had ripple effects in Italy, another key destination for migrants.

Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy’s open-border Schengen agreement with Spain “to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens”, though Italy does not share a border with Spain.

Additional copy from PA.