The Moroccan security forces were deployed around the border on Tuesday morning after 50-Saharan migrants clambered up fences to storm Spain through the Tarajal border crossing.
Migrants frequently attempt to jump the borders of Spain’s two enclaves in northern Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, often climbing up fences which are up to six metres tall and topped by razor wire.
Once inside Spain’s enclaves, migrants are usually taken to temporary shelters and later moved to the Spanish mainland or returned to their country of origin.
Many migrants try to enter Spain as a means of reaching other parts of Europe.
Arrivals through Ceuta and Melilla, as well as the number of migrants attempting to cross into Spain by sea from North Africa has risen this year, although the route between Libya and Italy remains the most popular.
Police sources told Europa Press that Tuesday’s attempt took place around 6am.
Spanish authorities say that in the vicinity of the autonomous city, including the outskirts of the Moroccan cities of Tetouan and Tangier, there are around 1,000 citizens from sub-Saharan countries waiting for an opportunity to access Spanish territory, either by sea to Ceuta or the Andalusian coasts, or by land jumping the border fence of the North African city.
The dramatic scenes replicate a similar incident in August when a group of more than 100 migrants ran through one gate in the fence usually used as a border control.
The Red Cross assisted 186 people following the morning rush across the border, and four migrants were taken to hospital.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega