Spain to Complete Melilla Border Fence Upgrade Within 3 Months, Minister Says

These modernization works that had been underway for months will be able to be completed, reports El Faro de Melilla. Only a small area of the fence remains to be reinforced, Grande-Marlaska recalled. "We are not starting from scratch, because in previous years we have already made a significant investment to strengthen the border in Melilla and Ceuta," he said.

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The minister also stressed that the agents deployed at the borders have been reinforced. Two additional units of 50 Civil Guard security force agents have been transferred to Melilla, as well as 41 agents from the National Police Intervention Unit. In addition to the measures adopted in previous years, new ones have been taken to respond to the assaults of recent days, Grande-Marlaska added.

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The head of the Interior Department did not fail to thank the Civil Guard and the National Police for their efforts and sacrifices made to ensure the protection of citizens, not forgetting the local police of Melilla for their collaboration. Grande-Marlaska also wished a speedy recovery to the 47 Civil Guards and three National Police officers injured during the recent assaults. Furthermore, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support its security forces and bodies, and to facilitate police cooperation with Morocco.