CEUTA — Spain’s Interior Ministry has raised to 67 the number of migrants reported dead following a mass influx into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, according to Spanish media citing the ministry.
The deaths occurred amid a large-scale movement of migrants into Ceuta, with reports estimating that about 50,000 people crossed into the enclave. More than 48,000 had returned to Morocco, according to the latest figures cited by Spanish media.
Spanish authorities said the situation in Ceuta had stabilised and that new arrivals had stopped. Spain has also begun installing additional containment measures along the Tarajal breakwater, according to reports.
The Spanish government has faced pressure over its handling of the crisis and has sought greater cooperation from European Union partners. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has requested an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers, according to Spanish media.
The circumstances surrounding all 67 deaths, including the precise number attributed to drowning or other causes, were not immediately detailed in the available official reporting. Authorities were continuing to assess the situation as of Saturday, with further details potentially emerging.
