Spain will deploy its armed forces to Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory, overwhelming border controls. The move highlights the strain on Ceuta’s limited services and the wider political and humanitarian significance of one of the European Union’s only land borders in Africa.

At least nine people died during Thursday’s crossings, though officials did not specify how; bodies were seen in the water. Ceuta had already received more than 1,500 migrants during the previous week, leaving reception centres overwhelmed and hundreds sleeping outside; the cause of the sudden surge remains unclear.