Police Clear Migrants From Beaches in Spain’s Ceuta Enclave

Spanish police have launched an operation to clear thousands of migrants from beaches in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, following a major influx from neighbouring Morocco.

Riot police began the operation shortly before 7am local time on Friday, reportedly firing rubber bullets into the air and using batons as migrants were moved from the beaches to a temporary camp near the port.

More than 72,000 migrants entered the 18.5-square-kilometre territory during an unprecedented border rush in July, although most have since left. Spanish authorities estimate that around 10,000 migrants remain in Ceuta.

The authorities have established temporary accommodation at the port with capacity for about 1,700 people. However, aid organisations say thousands of migrants remain without proper shelter and have been sleeping in makeshift camps.

The temporary site includes tents, beds and showers, according to reports.

Ceuta, which has an official population of about 80,000, has been under Spanish control since 1580. It is one of Spain’s two territories on the North African coast, alongside Melilla.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said images of the migrant arrivals in Ceuta had contributed to increased support for far-right parties, despite a broader decline in irregular migration to Europe following stricter migration policies.

Meanwhile, Spain’s World Cup-winning coach Luis de la Fuente announced his Nations League squad from Ceuta in a public show of support for the enclave amid the ongoing migration crisis.

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