The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, has started a short trip on Monday to the territories of Spanish sovereignty off the coast of Morocco. She landed in Melilla on Monday accompanied by government officials and military authorities, where she boarded a helicopter to visit the territories of Vélez de la Gomera and the island of Alhucemas. On Tuesday, she will travel to the disputed archipelago of Chafarinas. These territories, although not part of the autonomous city of Melilla, belong to the Ministry of Defense and are under its maintenance and defense, with the exception of migration responsibilities which were transferred to Melilla in 2017. The visit aims to see the daily work of the military personnel stationed in these areas, which have been used as entry points for irregular migrants and have been subject to territorial claims by Morocco.
The territories off the coast of Morocco are of great importance to Spain, especially in light of recent increases in irregular migration. The Spanish Navy’s Rayo patrol boat has been monitoring the area to prevent irregular migration to Spain and Europe. Despite the heightened security measures, the Minister of Defense is not expected to board the Rayo during her visit. The tiny territory of Vélez de la Gomera, connected to Morocco by a narrow strip of land, is strategically significant for Spain. In 2021, approximately 125 irregular migrants were sent back to Morocco from Vélez de la Gomera, where the Spanish Army is regularly present. The visit to these territories is an opportunity for the Minister to express gratitude to the military personnel for their challenging work.
During her visit to Vélez de la Gomera, Minister Robles met with around forty military personnel stationed in the area, including Army officers and sailors. She expressed appreciation for their dedication and emphasized the importance of Spain’s presence in the region. In the afternoon, Robles visited the island of Alhucemas, known for the social protests that took place in 2018 in the Rif region. She toured the facilities and interacted with the military staff, thanking them for their hard work and commitment. The trip is part of a routine visit to the Spanish territories in the area, which have been historically contested by Morocco.
The territories off the coast of Morocco have been a focal point of tension between Spain and Morocco, particularly with regards to migration and sovereignty. The visit by the Minister of Defense highlights Spain’s ongoing efforts to maintain control and security in these strategic areas. The presence of Spanish military personnel in Vélez de la Gomera and Alhucemas plays a crucial role in preventing irregular migration and ensuring the defense of Spanish territories. The visit is also an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the local communities and military authorities, affirming Spain’s commitment to maintaining its sovereign rights in the region.
The visit by Minister Margarita Robles to the Spanish territories off the coast of Morocco underscores the importance of these areas for Spain’s national security and territorial integrity. The presence of military personnel in Vélez de la Gomera, Alhucemas, and Chafarinas is essential for maintaining control and security in the region, especially in light of recent challenges posed by irregular migration and territorial disputes. The visit serves as a reminder of Spain’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial rights in the face of external threats and challenges. Through engagements with local communities and military authorities, the Minister reaffirms Spain’s strong and enduring presence in these strategic areas.
