Spanish police, supported by military personnel, have cleared the last major migrant encampment in Ceuta, removing hundreds of people from makeshift shelters ahead of a planned visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
The operation began early Sunday at the El Guano esplanade, where hundreds of migrants had been living in temporary shelters. More than 350 police officers took part in the clearance.
Authorities transported migrants by bus to reception centres for processing, while cleaning teams worked to clear the site. Some people reportedly fled into nearby hills to avoid being taken away.
The encampment developed after more than 70,000 people entered Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco during a large-scale influx in July. Although many later returned, thousands remained in the Spanish territory, placing additional pressure on local resources and reception facilities.
The arrivals triggered political tensions in Madrid and raised concerns across the European Union about border management and the treatment of migrants.
The clearance comes two days before the Spanish royal couple’s scheduled visit to Ceuta. Their trip will be followed by a visit to Melilla on October 14. It will be the first visit by a reigning Spanish monarch to the two North African territories since 2007.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories on the North African coast, bordering Morocco. Their locations make them important entry points for migrants seeking to reach the European Union.