Apple Maps places Spanish territories in Morocco, irritating Madrid

The Chafarinas Islands and the Al Hoceïma Rock thus appear associated with Morocco on Apple Maps, reports El Debate. The Spanish newspaper notably publishes a screenshot showing the Chafarinas located in Morocco.

The case of the Al Hoceïma Rock is even more astonishing: the listing reproduces a description from Wikipedia mentioning its belonging to Spain, before locating it in Morocco.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Expands Maritime Claims, Challenging Spanish Control of Mediterranean Islands

The Vélez de la Gomera Rock also has an imprecise listing, with Apple merely placing it in the Alboran Sea. Chafarinas, Al Hoceïma and Vélez de la Gomera are among the “places of sovereignty” administered by Madrid and claimed by Rabat.

Territories that are particularly sensitive for Madrid

Spain pays particular military attention to these small territories. Its armed forces have multiplied presence and surveillance operations in the area, notably around the Chafarinas, where a permanent military detachment is deployed.

The territorial issue has also regained considerable prominence following statements by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, who affirmed that Rabat continued to raise Sebta and Melilla in its discussions with Spain.

On Bladi.net : Spain military patrol Alborán island Morocco territorial dispute

In this context, seeing Apple Maps place in Morocco territories whose sovereignty Madrid defends is particularly sensitive in Spain. However, nothing indicates that this reflects a position taken by Apple: El Debate itself presents the display as a mapping error. Moroccans think otherwise.