Spain and Morocco square-off after 6,000 migrants arrive in North Africa enclave

People from Morocco enter the Spanish territory of Ceuta (Antonio Sempere/Europa Press via AP)

Spain is facing a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis after thousands of Moroccans took advantage of relaxed border controls in their nation to swim or paddle in inflatable boats onto European soil.

By Tuesday morning, around 6,000 people had crossed the border into the Spanish city of Ceuta since the first arrivals began early Monday, the Spanish government said. Some 1,500 are thought to be teenagers.