Spain Vows Firm Response to Morocco’s Military Buildup Near Ceuta and Melilla

The newspaper El Español indicated in its December 12 edition that "Rabat will deploy anti-aircraft missiles like the Israeli Iron Dome in the strait, in response to the Spanish military reinforcement in the five territories of North Africa, namely: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the rock of Vélez de la Gomera, the rock of Al Hoceima and the Chafarinas Islands".

Several deputies from Vox questioned the Spanish government on this matter through a parliamentary question. More precisely, they asked whether the government is aware of the situation and, if so, what measures it intends to take to protect the integrity of Spanish territory.

To read: Spain Downplays Concerns Over Moroccan Drones Near Ceuta and Melilla Borders

In its written response to which El Confidencial Digital had access, the government stressed that it "will defend the territorial integrity of Spain and act firmly in the event of a violation". These words chosen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has probably drafted the government’s response to Vox’s question, contrast with the politically correct and diplomatic terms used in other responses on similar issues where the Executive was limited to stating that it is working to "maintain the best possible neighborly relationship with Morocco, a strategic partner".

Morocco has recently acquired twelve Turkish drones, in addition to those it has already purchased from the United States and Israel. In December, Morocco acquired the Chinese FD-2000B air defense system, more powerful than the Sky Dragon 50 it had had for years. And this week, it was announced that Morocco had purchased the Israeli Barak MX system, capable of neutralizing aerial threats within a radius of 150 kilometers.