Several hundred migrants tried to cross from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Melilla on Friday evening, with security forces deploying after stones were thrown and tear gas was used. The attempts came after a mass arrival in Ceuta, where officials reported roughly 50,000 arrivals in recent days, with regional estimates as high as 60,000. Authorities say tens of thousands have voluntarily returned to Morocco, and the Spanish foreign minister described the situation as effectively resolved.
Hundreds of Migrants Try to Breach Melilla Border After Mass Influx in Ceuta
Spanish police officers respond as migrants cross the maritime border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. (is associated with: «Report: Migrants attempt to cross into Spanish exclave of Melilla») Marcos Moreno/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
Hundreds of migrants reportedly attempted to cross from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Melilla on Friday evening, following a large and sudden influx of arrivals in nearby Ceuta earlier in the week.
State broadcaster RTVE said around 500 people made the initial attempt to breach the border fence, prompting the deployment of Spanish security forces. Authorities reported a further attempt roughly two hours later, at about 9:00 pm (1900 GMT).
The report said some migrants hurled stones at security officers, who responded with tear gas. It was not immediately clear whether any migrants succeeded in entering Melilla. Officials have kept the Beni Enzar border crossing closed since Thursday evening.
The North African coastal cities of Ceuta and Melilla have been under Spanish control for centuries and remain focal points for irregular migration into the European Union.
Wider Ceuta Influx and Government Response
State broadcaster Radio Nacional, citing government sources, reported that nearly 50,000 migrants had reached Ceuta irregularly in recent days via the Strait of Gibraltar. Regional President Juan Jesús Vivas gave a higher estimate, suggesting the figure could be up to 60,000.
The Madrid government said tens of thousands have since returned voluntarily to Morocco via the border causeway. On Friday evening, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares wrote on X that the crisis was "effectively over," saying nearly all those who arrived in Ceuta had returned to Morocco.
Note: Figures remain provisional and have been provided by official sources and state broadcasters; the situation may be subject to further verification.
Help us improve.
