At least 19 migrants have died after thousands of people attempted to cross from Morocco into Spain's North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, according to Spanish police and local media.
Spanish media reported that thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta in recent days, prompting Spain to deploy the military to support the Civil Guard and tighten border security.
Spain also closed the Beni Enzar border crossing with Morocco in Melilla on Thursday after hundreds of migrants attempted to enter the enclave by land and sea. Melilla President Juan Jose Imbroda said authorities had largely contained the situation with the cooperation of Moroccan security forces.
Early on Friday, Moroccan authorities prevented thousands of people from reaching the border, stopping many near the northern city of Fnideq and transporting them away from the area.
The mass crossings came days after Spain and Morocco agreed to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the return of migrants entering Ceuta irregularly.
Morocco has not commented on the reported deaths or the return agreement. Many migrants from Morocco and other African countries attempt dangerous crossings to Europe in search of better economic opportunities.
