Spain Bolsters Sovereignty over Disputed Alborán Island with Navy Operation

The Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute has sent a team to the island of Alborán to update the coastline and install a tide gauge to monitor the tides on the island. A drone equipped with an optical sensor and the LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) topographic sensor has allowed the Navy to successfully carry out this operation, reports El Debate.

A detachment of the Navy has been permanently stationed on the island of Alborán since 1997 to guarantee the security of this space under Spanish sovereignty. In recent years, Morocco has repeatedly claimed the Chafarinas Islands, Alborán and Perejil (Leila), as well as the rocks of Al Hoceima and Vélez de la Gomera, not to mention Ceuta and Melilla.

During a recent visit to the island of Alborán, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, stated that "the island has become a priority" in view of the massive influx of migrants noted in recent times. Thus, work is planned to install new security and access systems, water supply and electricity to strengthen security in this area.