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Spain has started returning thousands of migrants to Morocco after a massive influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta that left at least 67 people dead, most of them while attempting dangerous sea crossings.
Authorities said the majority of those who entered the territory have now voluntarily or forcibly returned to Morocco.
The crisis unfolded after an estimated 50,000–60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta over two days, overwhelming local authorities and prompting Spain to deploy additional security forces.
In response, the government has begun installing a 500-metre floating sea barrier along part of the coastline to deter further crossings.
The European Union is set to hold an emergency meeting to coordinate a response, as several member states have called for stronger protection of the bloc’s external borders.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended his government’s handling of the crisis while praising Morocco for cooperating in efforts to restore order.