Spain deploys troops as thousands of migrants overwhelm Ceuta and Melilla borders migrants overwhelmed border Spain deploys troops fires burn near Morocco frontierSpain has deployed troops to its North African enclaves after thousands of migrants overwhelmed border crossings in what officials described as an unprecedented surge that left parts of the frontier effectively overrun. Violent clashes were reported around the border near Melilla on Thursday, with several fires breaking out in the Moroccan town of Beni-Enzar as tensions escalated. Local reports said fighting erupted in nearby streets while large crowds attempted to force their way across the frontier separating Morocco from the Spanish territory. Border crossings surge into the thousandsSpanish officials estimated that around 20,000 migrants breached or bypassed sections of the border fence around Ceuta during the latest wave of crossings, although the exact number has yet to be independently verified. The government of Ceuta said between 1,500 and 2,000 migrants had entered the enclave over the previous ten days, with hundreds more believed to have crossed on Thursday alone. Border officials warned that the situation had become increasingly difficult to control, describing parts of the frontier as having "totally collapsed" under the pressure of sustained migration attempts. Supreme Court ruling blamed for 'pull factor'Police unions argue the surge has been fuelled by a recent ruling from Spain's Supreme Court that they believe has encouraged more migrants to attempt the journey. Earlier this month, the court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot automatically be returned under the territories' special border-rejection procedures. According to police representatives, the judgment has created a new legal loophole that traffickers are exploiting by encouraging migrants to believe they have a greater chance of remaining in Spain once they reach the enclaves. Madrid orders military supportIn response to the escalating crisis, the Spanish government has authorised the deployment of military personnel to reinforce border security in both Ceuta and Melilla. The two autonomous cities occupy a unique position as Spain's only land borders with Africa and represent one of the European Union's principal external frontiers. Both territories have long been focal points for illegal migration into Europe, with migrants frequently attempting to scale heavily fortified border fences or reach the enclaves by sea. Long-running territorial disputeCeuta has remained under Spanish sovereignty since 1580 and is home to a diverse population of Christians and Muslims, alongside both Spanish citizens and Moroccan cross-border workers. Morocco, however, has never recognised Spanish sovereignty over either Ceuta or Melilla, describing both territories as occupied Moroccan land despite Madrid's continued administration of the enclaves. The latest migrant surge is likely to intensify political pressure on the Spanish government as it seeks to regain control of one of Europe's most sensitive external borders while balancing humanitarian obligations with growing concerns over border security. SOURCE
