Former Spanish General Warns of Morocco’s Intentions for Ceuta and Melilla

With each migrant invasion, Morocco tests Spain’s ability to react and its determination to defend the borders of Ceuta and Melilla, explained Díaz de Villegas in an interview with Ok Diario. "We must give a firm response and a clear message" to Morocco, insisted the army general, former general commander of Melilla.

To read: Morocco Eyes Next Territorial Goal: Ceuta and Melilla After Western Sahara Push

The retired military is convinced that Morocco "will never abandon Ceuta and Melilla", as it has done with regard to the Sahara. It may take time, but it will eventually achieve its goal, he assures. It is for all these reasons that Díaz de Villegas believes it is urgent to defend the two autonomous cities, the Chafarinas Islands and Al Hoceima. "Not a single migrant should be allowed to pass, and we should even less allow them to attack our police forces and civil guards," he said firmly.

To read: Melilla Border Unions Call for More Staff, Resources Ahead of May Reopening

For the former commander of Melilla, Spain must give itself the material and legal means to send these migrants back immediately. This involves strengthening the army in general and the Melilla garrison in particular in terms of equipment, "in quantity and quality", where "there is a lack of armored vehicles and battle tanks". Unlike Ceuta, which can be defended by tanks, helicopters and fast transport vehicles from Seville and Córdoba, Melilla is isolated from the world, in the middle of nowhere, four or eight hours by boat, explains Díaz de Villegas.

To read: Spain Seeks NATO Protection for Ceuta and Melilla Ahead of Biden-Sanchez Meeting

The general calls on Spain to be dissuasive. But this requires a good dose of will to win and to be "at the same military level or superior" to its opponent. The retired military regrets that Ceuta and Melilla have not been integrated into the NATO treaty, also deploring that Spain is losing points on the issue of territorial waters. Spain must show "firmness", he concluded.