Spain says will send troops to Ceuta after migrant rush

Spain said Thursday it would send troops to its north African exclave of Ceuta to ensure security after hundreds of migrants arrived, some swimming by sea around the frontier fence.

Migration from Morocco into Spain's two north African territories, Ceuta and Melilla, has long been a politically sensitive issue between the two countries, as thousands cross the border at times

"The Armed Forces will reinforce the Civil Guard in the exercise of its powers and any others that may be necessary to maintain security in the city of Ceuta," said an interior ministry statement.

It did not specify how many soldiers would be sent to the small territory of 18.5 square kilometres (seven square miles) but said the Civil Guard's strength there would be nearly doubled from the current level of 80.

It will also send diving teams and coastguard ships.

Hundreds of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, joining the 1,500 who had done so in recent days -- creating a "humanitarian emergency" that left one person dead, according to city authorities.

The president of Ceuta, Juan Vivas, said earlier that the reception centres were saturated as the number of people entering is more than 200 a day, adding: "There is no more room for anyone".