Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
At least 34 migrants were killed during an attempt to enter Spain through the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to reports by the Associated Press. The tragedy occurred early Thursday morning when nearly 3,000 migrants tried to cross the border simultaneously.
Authorities said the deaths were caused by a combination of crowd crushing, suffocation and drowning after migrants became trapped in narrow passages between security fences and police barricades. The chaotic situation also left more than 100 Spanish and Moroccan soldiers injured.
Spanish government said that around 49,000 people have recently entered Ceuta from the Moroccan side, either by swimming across the sea or crossing on foot.
Many migrants from African and Asian countries attempt to reach European nations in search of better jobs, safety, and improved living conditions. Ceuta, located on Morocco’s northern coast, is a Spanish city and therefore part of the European Union. Once migrants manage to enter Ceuta, they effectively gain access to EU territory.
Why Ceuta Is a Major Entry Point to Europe
Although Ceuta is geographically located in Africa, it belongs to Spain and the European Union. This makes it one of the most attractive entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla are the only places where Africa shares a direct land border with the European Union. As a result, thousands of people every year attempt to cross through these routes in hopes of finding better economic opportunities and a more secure future in Europe.
