Europe on edge: Spain deploys troops after thousands of migrants storm Ceuta from Morocco

At least 15 people drowned while attempting to reach Ceuta, reports said.

Local authorities had appealed to the Spanish government for additional support following a recent surge in attempted crossings. However, chaotic scenes unfolded on Thursday as border controls appeared to collapse, the BBC reported.

Responding to the situation, Spain's Interior Ministry said in a statement: "Both countries have agreed to strengthen coordination and efforts to address these flows and have committed to reviewing and implementing measures for the handover, as soon as possible, of all people who have entered Ceuta illegally."

Videos circulating widely on social media showed large groups of migrants, many of them young men, walking along the breakwaters at Tarajal Beach before entering local roads in Ceuta.

The exact reason behind the sudden surge in crossings remains unclear.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government was fully committed to responding swiftly to the crisis.

"The Government of Spain is fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta. We are mobilising all necessary resources, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing the necessary measures to restore normalcy as soon as possible. I have conveyed this to President Juan Vivas," Sánchez wrote on X.

The incident has also sparked political tensions between Spain and Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government was considering suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain in response to the migration crisis.

"The images coming from Ceuta are striking and demonstrate, once again, that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe's borders," Meloni wrote on X.

She added: "I have spoken with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Italy will not stand by and watch. We are convening the relevant authorities, and following these meetings, we are prepared to adopt extraordinary measures to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain."

Ceuta, located on the North African coast, shares a land border with Morocco and has long been a major entry point for migrants seeking to enter Europe. Many attempt the dangerous journey by swimming from the Moroccan town of Fnideq to reach the Spanish territory.