Around 37,500 migrants who entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta illegally have returned to Morocco, according to Spain's Interior Ministry.
Cadena SER, citing the ministry, reported that the number of returnees has increased from the approximately 25,000 voluntary returns previously announced by Spanish authorities, Caliber.Az reports.
According to local authorities, around 60,000 migrants have crossed from Morocco into Ceuta since July 30, making it one of the largest recent migration surges at the Spanish enclave.
The number of fatalities linked to the crossings has also continued to rise. Earlier reports put the death toll at 34, while the Interior Ministry has now said 41 people have died while attempting to reach Spain by sea.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as an "attack" and a "violation," saying the government was working to return all migrants who entered the territory illegally to Morocco "as soon as possible."
The surge follows a recent ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the Spanish enclave of Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain, has long been one of the main entry points for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
By Sabina Mammadli
