At least 18 people were dead as thousands of migrants on Thursday stormed into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa.

Ceuta is an autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast, bordered by Morocco, lying along the boundary between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

In a video online, a large number of migrants were seen climbing over a border fence while many others swam to the shores of Ceuta.

While the reason for the sudden surge in migrant arrivals was not immediately clear, reports indicated that thousands of them had entered the exclave illegally.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the situation deserves an immediate response, including mobilising resources and working with international authorities.

“The government of Spain is fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta,” Mr Sánchez stated. “We are mobilising all necessary resources, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing the necessary measures to restore normalcy as soon as possible.”

Spain has long remained the main point of entry for illegal immigrants into Europe and a major influx into the country may deepen tensions in neighbouring countries.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the situation as striking, noting “illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe’s borders”.

Ms Meloni said, “I have spoken with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Italy will not stand by and watch. We are convening the relevant bodies, and following these meetings, we are prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and the safety of citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain.”

Ms Meloni added that Italy would continue to defend the borders, stop human traffickers and ensure effective repatriations remain the line of the government.