Spain Boosts Naval Presence Near Melilla Amid Tensions with Morocco

Spain has decided to strengthen its presence in the waters of Melilla after Morocco launched a tender in November for the installation of two fish farms in the waters near the maritime route between Melilla and Almeria, reports El Confidencial Digital, recalling that Morocco had already authorized a Moroccan company to install a fish farm on the Chafarinas Islands.

To read: Spanish Naval Presence Near Melilla Heightens Tensions with Morocco

It is therefore to deter Morocco that the Spanish Navy has deployed two patrol boats in the waters of Melilla which will also monitor the Spanish territorial waters in the Chafarinas Islands, in Al Hoceima and Velez de la Gomera. At the beginning of this January, the General Staff of Defense published photos of the ship "Audace" which was carrying out a maritime surveillance mission in the waters of Melilla.

To read: Spain Downplays Moroccan Fish Farm in Disputed Chafarinas Islands

The installation of fish farms by Morocco in this area could affect the maritime route between Melilla and Almeria. The Spanish Navy therefore wants to monitor this area to alert in case of the start of fish farming operations by Morocco. According to the Defense Staff, "the armed forces are carrying out these permanent surveillance operations in order to help guarantee the security of the territorial waters and to react quickly in the event of an attack or a low-intensity incident".

To read: Morocco’s Economic Strategy Threatens Spanish Enclaves Ceuta and Melilla

Morocco claims its sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, which forces Spain to protect these two enclaves which have been under economic pressure from Morocco for a few years now. The kingdom has already closed the customs post in Melilla, put an end to smuggling in Ceuta and since March 2020, has closed its borders with the two cities to limit the spread of Covid-19.