Spanish enclave in Morocco overrun by African migrants

TANGIER, Morocco

Hundreds of African migrants have forced their way into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave situated on Morocco’s northern coast, Spain’s Civil Guards Department said Friday.

Several Spanish security personnel were injured while trying to stop the migrants from entering the enclave, according to a Civil Guards statement.

On Jan. 1, the Moroccan authorities thwarted a similar attempt by hundreds of African migrants to enter Ceuta.

According to the Moroccan authorities, 40 migrants -- and 10 Moroccan security personnel -- were injured in the attempt.

Spain controls the twin enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, both of which border northern Morocco.

The government of Morocco, however, does not formally recognize Spain’s sovereignty over either enclave.

African migrants frequently try to sneak into the territories, either by swimming or scaling the border walls.

Reporting by Anas Mezzour; Writing by Mahmoud Barakat;