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Rabat – The Spanish police have been quick to mobilize in the enclave of Ceuta, using tear-gas to disperse the 6,000-something irregular migrants who have arrived in the Spanish enclave from Morocco.
The consistent stream of irregular migrants bound for Ceuta has put Morocco and Spain tensions under additional strain, with some estimating above 6,000 irregular migrants have crossed over in the last 48-hours.
The enclave’s authorities have deployed additional police as well as military troops.
According to the Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the government has sent approximately 200 troops, as well as an additional 200 police officers, to assist the already 1,100-strong border patrol at the Tarajal border crossing.
Some videos and pictures shared by international media show Spanish armored vehicles deployed along the border fence, as would-be migrants hang around the other side of the crossing.
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Moroccan forces have resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowds, the AFP news agency has reported.
Videos shared on social media show irregular migrants rushing up the hills surrounding Ceuta, jumping the double fence where possible. Other pictures show immense irregular migrant crowds in Ceuta, smoke from what appears to be tear gas, as well as general chaos, as local forces try to keep the situation under control.
“As the president of Spain, I believe firmly that Morocco is a partner country, it’s a country that is a friend of Spain and it should continue this way,” commented Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez.
“To be effective, this cooperation needs to always be based on respect. Respect for mutual borders,” he added.
