Lead

The Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta may still be hosting between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants who arrived during a late-July influx, according to a statement by the city's head of government reported by Europa Press and carried by TASS. Ceuta's head of government, Juan Jesus Vivas, noted that the situation in the city has not yet completely returned to normal.

Coverage comparison

TASS reported on August 2 and August 3 on the situation in Ceuta, drawing on the Spanish news agency EFE and Europa Press, respectively. The August 2 report focused on the immediate situation around a temporary allocation center, describing overcrowding and a makeshift camp. The August 3 report centered on Vivas's estimate of the number of migrants still in the city.

Both reports note that tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating the city from Morocco in late July. They also both mention that at least 72 people died attempting the crossing, and that most migrants have already returned to Morocco.

Key claims

  • At least 1,000 migrants near the allocation center: According to EFE, as reported by TASS, more than 1,000 migrants were remaining near the center for their temporary allocation in Ceuta, hoping to be admitted. The center is overcrowded, and hundreds of migrants have set up a camp in a mountainous area nearby, waiting for vacant places. A nearby beach is also occupied by migrants.
  • Most migrants from sub-Saharan Africa: The TASS report, citing EFE, states that most of the migrants are from African countries south of the Sahara.
  • Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants may remain: Quoting Ceuta's head of government Juan Jesus Vivas, Europa Press reported that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants may still be in the city. Vivas also said the situation had not yet completely returned to normal.
  • Late-July influx: Tens of thousands of migrants reached Ceuta by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating the city from Morocco in late July, according to TASS. The Spanish authorities deployed troops to help ensure security in the city amid the crisis.
  • Casualties: At least 72 people have reportedly died while trying to reach Ceuta, TASS reported. The agency did not specify the time period over which those deaths occurred.
  • Return to Morocco: According to the latest reports cited by TASS, most migrants have returned to Morocco.