Spain Bolsters Defenses in Ceuta and Melilla Amid Sovereignty Concerns

"Poor communication in this area endangers the sovereignty of these territories," warns the report produced by the Directorate General of Information Systems, Telecommunications and Technical Assistance of the Army and to which Vozpópuli had access. The agency is calling for the urgent installation of three relay antennas in the strait, and precisely on the rock of Al Hoceima, Vélez de la Gomera and the island of Isabelle, in order to preserve Spain’s territorial integrity.

This action is "necessary" due to the difficulty of "controlling" coverage in the area and ensuring "good communication" in the region, the document explains, stressing the urgency of installing these relays to avoid "control problems of the territory". The three antennas, which are the subject of a call for expressions of interest for a total amount of 130,000 euros, must have a minimum height of nine meters and be equipped with automatic and manual lifting mechanisms. They must also be able to support a minimum weight of 150 kilos and withstand strong gusts of wind and extreme temperatures.

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The procurement document was signed on May 26, in the midst of the diplomatic crisis between Morocco and Spain, triggered by the reception of Brahim Ghali in Spain, to which a migration crisis that occurred after the massive entry of migrants into Ceuta was added. This last crisis forced Spain to reinforce the police and civil guard staff on the borders of the autonomous city where a constant presence is maintained.

Moroccan threats on these territories date back to the summer of 2002 when a group of Moroccan soldiers took the Persil Island (Laila Islet) and hoisted the Moroccan flag. A Spanish military intervention ended up dislodging these troops and remaining on the island to prevent its reoccupation.