Minister of Defense Margarita Robles concluded her mini-tour of Spanish sovereignty islets off the coast of Morocco with a visit to the Chafarinas Islands, historically disputed with the neighboring country. During her visit, she also met with approximately 130 military personnel who will be deployed to Iraq in November on a mission to support the international coalition against ISIS, remaining in the country until May 2025. This visit marked Robles’ first visit to these strategic territories for Spain, with a previous visit to Melilla in April of this year.
The Chafarinas Islands, particularly the island of Isabel II, hold strategic value for Spain. The military personnel stationed there, part of the Legion, informed Robles that the area has been calm for the past three years with no incidents reported. These territories have been used sporadically as entry points for irregular migrants entering Spain, as well as being subject to sovereignty claims from Morocco. In response to an increase in irregular migration from Morocco, the Spanish Navy’s Rayo vessel patrolled the Gibraltar Strait and the Alboran Sea to deter irregular immigration to Spain and the European Union.
Robles’ first stop was at the small Vélez de la Gomera islet, connected to Morocco by a narrow strip of sand, serving as a crucial border. The territory, under Spanish ownership since the 16th century, saw 125 irregular migrants arrive in 2021 who were immediately returned to Morocco. The minister also visited the Alhucemas islet where she thanked the military personnel stationed there for their dedication. At each location, Robles emphasized the significance of their presence and the importance of their work in maintaining Spain’s security.
In addition to her visits to the islets, Robles made a stop in Melilla to meet with the 130 military personnel who will be deployed to Iraq in November to support the coalition against ISIS. She praised the professionalism and dedication of the Spanish military, underscoring their reputation for excellence not only in their duties but also in their personal interactions. The mission in Iraq will involve tasks related to security maintenance and providing advice and training to Iraqi armed forces, with a planned return in May 2025.
Overall, Robles’ tour highlighted the strategic importance of these territories for Spain given their history, proximity to Morocco, and role in addressing issues such as irregular migration. The visits to the islets and meetings with military personnel underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining Spanish sovereignty and security interests in the region. With ongoing challenges such as irregular migration and sovereignty disputes, these territories remain a focal point for defense and border protection efforts.
