Spanish Navy Patrols Disputed Waters Near Moroccan Coast

This deployment is part of an increased surveillance of Spanish maritime spaces, particularly around the Chafarinas Islands, Alborán, Perejil (Laila) and the Alhucemas and Vélez de la Gomera rocks, strategically important territories close to Ceuta and Melilla, but claimed by Morocco, reports the very hostile to Morocco site El Debate.

Faced with the intensification of Moroccan pressure on these areas, the 2022 National Security Strategy of Spain emphasizes the need for special protection for Ceuta and Melilla, explains the same source. In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has been visiting Rabat since Thursday, December 14, to discuss the bilateral agenda, including issues such as the opening of customs in Ceuta and Melilla and the delimitation of the territorial waters of the Canary Islands.

In addition to its surveillance functions, the Meteoro plays a key role in the protection of Spanish maritime spaces. It is equipped to embark air units, Marine Infantry security teams or special operations teams, thus strengthening its ability to respond to various operational scenarios.