After recalling its soldiers, Spain sends 150 more to Ceuta

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has authorised the transfer of these new army units, the Defence Staff (EMAD) announced on Thursday, 20 August. The information was reported by Europa Press.

“More than 150 military personnel from the Canary Islands Command are being added to the army’s capabilities already deployed in Ceuta,” EMAD specified. These soldiers will therefore reinforce a contingent that has already been mobilised since the 30 July crisis.

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The Spanish Armed Forces are simultaneously continuing to support the police and the Guardia Civil at various points in Ceuta. Madrid had already increased the number of personnel stationed in the city following the mass arrivals from Morocco.

Reinforcements arriving directly from the Canary Islands

The choice of the Canary Islands Command is not accidental. These units belong to the military structure responsible for one of Spain’s most sensitive flanks, facing Morocco’s Atlantic coast. More than 150 of its soldiers are now being transferred to Ceuta to reinforce the ground capabilities there.

The pressure on Ceuta’s units had already led the Comandancia General to recall soldiers who had gone on holiday and suspend leave, with some exceptions. The Guardia Civil had taken similar measures in order to retain sufficient personnel.

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This new transfer comes three weeks after the 30 July crisis and a few days after the new measures taken by Madrid to reinforce the city. The Spanish government is simultaneously preparing other responses in the event of a new crisis with Morocco.

With the arrival of more than 150 additional soldiers from the Canary Islands, Spain is thus moving from maintaining reinforced staffing levels among the personnel already stationed in Ceuta to sending new units from another military command.