Spanish Military Officer Warns Morocco Could Threaten Canary Islands’ Water and Power Supplies
A Spanish military officer fears that desalination plants, power facilities and pumping stations in the Canary Islands could be targeted in a conflict with Morocco. He believes the archipelago lacks the resources to cope with an attack combining sabotage and cyberattacks.
“Sabotage of vital facilities.” Asked what risks he foresees for the Canary Islands, a Spanish military officer immediately cited power facilities, pumping stations and desalination plants. In an interview granted anonymously to Atlántico Hoy, published Wednesday, November 4, he also mentioned cyberattacks that could disrupt the archipelago’s essential services.
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In his view, these disruptions could cause shortages, disrupt daily life and fuel public discontent. He then envisages a more direct intervention by Moroccan forces. The officer describes a hybrid-warfare scenario combining destabilizing actions with a conventional offensive.
Military reinforcements would be difficult to deploy
The officer also points to the Canary Islands’ distance from mainland Spain: more than 1,000 kilometers. In the event of a confrontation, Madrid would have to send reinforcements by ship or plane. He fears that Morocco’s new military equipment could hinder their arrival, leaving the forces stationed in the archipelago to face the first attacks alone.
His concern focuses in particular on drones, which he says can cause significant damage at low cost. He also cites precision missiles, as Morocco is negotiating to acquire Israeli LORA missiles whose range is causing concern in Spain. The officer believes these weapons could threaten Spain’s logistical and military capabilities on the islands.
“We are currently prepared neither for a Moroccan invasion nor for a hybrid attack,” he says. He accuses Madrid of failing to anticipate the strengthening of the Moroccan army and calls for more soldiers, weapons and technological resources in the Canary Islands.
The officer also wants the European Union to support Spain in the event of a crisis with Morocco. He mentions economic and trade sanctions while advocating for stronger military capabilities to protect the archipelago.
