18 killed trying to breach Morocco border, army sent: Spain migrant crisis explained

For many migrants hoping to reach Europe, Ceuta offers one of the shortest routes onto EU territory.Spain has deployed its armed forces to the North African enclave of Ceuta after thousand migrants crossed into the territory from neighbouring Morocco in one of the largest border breaches in recent years. The Spanish interior ministry has said that over 49,000 people have crossed into Ceuta in last 24 hours. The surge has overwhelmed local authorities, stretched reception centres and reignited debate over migration, border security and Spain's ties with Morocco.At least 18 people have died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory, most of them drowning as they tried to swim around the border barriers. Spanish authorities have sent military reinforcements, while the European Union has