By Zoila Palma: Spain says a massive surge of migrants into its North African enclave of Ceuta has been brought under control, with thousands of those who crossed the border reportedly returning voluntarily to Morocco.
Spanish authorities estimated that about 50,000 people entered the territory by land and sea since Thursday, while local officials put the figure as high as 60,000.
At least 19 bodies were reportedly recovered from the water, while Ceuta’s local government said the death toll could be as high as 34, Reuters report.
Moroccan security forces used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds gathered near border gates as authorities sought to prevent further crossings. Water cannon were also deployed, while the charred remains of vehicles could be seen following clashes. Spanish military vehicles were positioned along sections of the border, as several hundred migrants were seen returning through official checkpoints and openings in the fence, with some saying they lacked food and shelter in Ceuta.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Ceuta on Friday and described the mass crossing as a “violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty.” He said authorities were accelerating the repatriation of migrants who entered illegally, with Morocco cooperating in the process.
Spain’s Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres suggested that a recent Supreme Court ruling restricting the summary return of migrants intercepted at sea may have contributed to the surge.
The post International News: Spain says mass migrant surge into Ceuta reversed as thousands return to Morocco appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Spain says a massive surge of migrants into its North African enclave of Ceuta has been brought under control, with thousands of those who crossed the border reportedly returning voluntarily to Morocco. Spanish authorities estimated that about 50,000 people entered the territory by land and sea since Thursday, while local officials put
The post International News: Spain says mass migrant surge into Ceuta reversed as thousands return to Morocco appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.