18 migrants killed, crossing attempts thwarted, Moroccan-Spanish security reinforcements

18 migrants were killed during collective crossing attempts to the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta, while Moroccan and Spanish authorities deployed security and military reinforcements to contain the influx of thousands of migrants toward the border.

31 July, 2026 11:48

NEWSDESK

The city of Fnideq in northern Morocco witnessed, on the night of Thursday-Friday, thousands of migrants surging toward the border with the Spanish city of Ceuta in an attempt to reach Europe, despite the heavy security presence that prevented most crossing attempts.

Spain's Ministry of the Interior announced that the death toll from the crossing attempts had risen to 18, while authorities in Ceuta reported recovering nine bodies, and between 2,000 and 3,000 people managed to cross, according to Spanish media.

Spain deployed military and police reinforcements to Ceuta, while Moroccan authorities bolstered their security presence, using trucks equipped with water cannons to push migrants back and prevent them from approaching the border crossing or the border fence.

Witnesses reported clashes and chaos during the crossing attempts, which resulted in a bus and seven vehicles being set on fire, while hundreds of migrants — including women, children, and individuals from Morocco and sub-Saharan African countries — continued to gather in the vicinity of the city, searching for alternative routes to reach Ceuta.

The city of Ceuta is a Moroccan city under Spanish sovereignty, an autonomous territory located on the African continent. Morocco considers it an occupied city and continues to demand its return. It lies opposite the Strait of Gibraltar.

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ANHA