The Spanish territory of Ceuta is located in North Africa on the border with Morocco.
Ceuta, Spain – Hundreds of people stormed a fence between Spain and Morocco on Friday in the latest mass attempt by migrants to cross the border.
About 500 people made it across the razor wire barrier, according to the BBC. A total of 700 people tried to cross.
Ceuta is a Spanish territory in North Africa. It shares a border with Morocco.
The proximity makes the territory a popular crossing point for migrants hoping to reach Europe, according to the BBC. Ceuta is separated from the rest of Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Two people were hospitalized during the attack on the fence. Eleven Spanish police officers were also hurt.
Another mass attempt to breach the fence on New Year’s Day involved 1,100 people, according to the BBC.
Only two of the migrants were successful in that case and both needed hospital treatment. A guard also lost an eye in violence during that incident, according to the BBC.
Incursions on the fence are just one way migrants have been trying to cross the Ceuta border.
People have also tried to swim along the coast or hide in vehicles moving across. Most migrants who try the crossing are intercepted and returned to Morocco.
Those that do make it across are eventually sent back and released, according to the BBC.
Ceuta is surrounded by a double fence that is 5 miles long and 20 feet high, according to Agence France-Press. It also has rolls of barbed wire.
Migrants who succeeded in the latest crossing were observed to be thrilled to finally make it to a European Union state, AFP said.
“I love you Mamma, long live Spain,” one migrant shouted while draped in a blue EU flag.
Source: Hundreds storm border between Spain, Morocco; injuries reported (photos, video) | syracuse.com
