Spanish security forces estimate that approximately 73,500 migrants have left Ceuta for Morocco following the massive influx that occurred last Thursday, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. The figure may include migrants who arrived in the autonomous city during the recent surge.
The mass crossing, which began on May 17, 2021, saw thousands of migrants swim or wade across the border from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the African continent. The Spanish government deployed military and police reinforcements to regain control of the border.
As of the latest reports, the situation has stabilized, but the city remains on edge. The Spanish government has been working with Moroccan authorities to manage the return of migrants and prevent further crossings. The exact number of migrants still in Ceuta is unclear, but officials say the majority have been returned to Morocco.
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco, though both countries have expressed a commitment to cooperation on migration issues. The European Union has offered support to Spain in managing the crisis.
