Thousands of migrants remain stranded in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta after a mass border crossing from Morocco, prompting the European Union to offer emergency assistance to reinforce the territory's defences. Spanish authorities are also investigating whether criminals or suspected jihadists exploited the chaotic crossing to enter European territory, adding a security dimension to what is already a significant diplomatic and humanitarian crisis between Spain and Morocco.

Spanish officials said approximately 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, with around 70,000 subsequently returned, leaving roughly 2,000 migrants still in the small enclave. Reception facilities have been left overwhelmed by the surge, which has also strained relations elsewhere in Europe, with Italy reportedly reinstating border checks with Spain and other EU states weighing in on the response.