Moroccan Migrants Ambush Spanish Troops in Ceuta

Moroccan migrants in Ceuta ambushed a Spanish military vehicle and pelted soldiers with stones.

Twelve Moroccans, all of whom had entered the Spanish enclave during the migrant surge last month, were arrested after the attack during an early-hours patrol on Thursday.

One soldier had been injured after being struck in the back after around 70 migrants on both sides of the road had hurled stones and other objects, a police spokesman said.

The soldiers were forced to flee on foot and had to call for police backup as the crowd chased them.

The migrants had dispersed after police officers had arrived in several more vehicles, the spokesman said, adding that four migrants had also suffered minor injuries in the clashes.

The violence between migrants and the authorities ensued after residents in Ceuta tore down migrants’ tents on Trampolin beach, where thousands have camped out since the crisis erupted last month.

On Wednesday night, thousands of residents took to the streets of the tiny Spanish territory, which is home to 80,000 people, shouting: “Invaders out! Invaders out!”

Police fired tear gas to disperse the protests and prevent confrontation with the migrants camped out on the beach.

It is the latest in a series of protests by residents in Ceuta who have demanded the migrants be sent back as soon as possible.

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