Eighteen migrants die in stampede as they attempt to enter Spanish Enclave
Madrid: As many as 18 migrants died and several others were hurt as a huge crowd tried to cross into Spain's North African enclave of Melilla, media reports said on Saturday.
Several security personnel and migrants were admitted to hospital for treatment following clashes early on Friday, reports BBC.
Incidentally, it was the first such attempt made by a large number of people to cross the border ever since Spain and Morocco resumed diplomatic ties in March.
The thaw in relations came after Spain supported Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara, reports BBC.
Spanish officials told the British media that several hundred migrants tried to break through into the enclave after cutting fencing.
Most were forced back but more than 100 got through and were being processed at a reception centre, they added.
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