Spain Flexes Military Muscle Near Moroccan Border in Ceuta

A Helicopter Battalion of the Canary Islands Command of the Army, units of the General Command of Ceuta in their instruction and training areas, and the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group of the Mixed Artillery Regiment 30 (RAMIX 30) conducted military exercises in Ceuta. These exercises aim to improve operational capabilities, in terms of tactics, techniques, and procedures during airmobile operations.

These activities also allow the Spanish Armed Forces to maintain a high level of preparedness. The deployment of helicopters and the execution of military maneuvers in areas close to the Moroccan border "send a clear message of deterrence and reinforce Spain’s defense posture in its North African territories," it is believed. The geopolitical situation of Ceuta demands it. It is a city whose sovereignty is claimed by Morocco.

These military exercises are part of the Annual Preparation Program serving to increase the operational capabilities of Army units in Ceuta, Melilla, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, as well as the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations that the Army conducts permanently in Ceuta and Melilla.