UNREAL IMAGES--SPAIN DEPLOYS MILITARY AFTER THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS OVERWHELM BORDER ENCLAVE

Spain is deploying its military to the North African enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants overwhelmed the territory's border with Morocco, prompting a major security response as officials confirmed at least 18 people died during the crossings.

The Spanish government said the armed forces will support the Civil Guard in restoring order after local officials warned the city could no longer handle the influx. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit Ceuta as Madrid scrambles to contain the crisis.

The surge marks one of the largest migrant waves to hit Ceuta since 2021, when more than 8,000 people entered the Spanish territory over two days, triggering a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco.