Trump Considers Shifting US Troops from Spain to Morocco in Strategic Move

In 2020, Morocco had proposed to Washington to move its military base from Rota to its base in Ksar Sghir, located near the Strait of Gibraltar. Built in 2008, this Moroccan base has been expanded and improved to accommodate advanced radar systems provided by the United States. But the Moroccan proposal did not progress. In 2023, Washington and Madrid agreed to strengthen the base in Rota by increasing its hosting capacity.

According to Escudo Digital, the Moroccan proposal is still relevant, and the excellent quality of relations between Washington and Rabat could facilitate the transfer of the Rota base to Morocco. Such a transfer would have a certain geopolitical impact on Europe, which needs the United States to guarantee its security. Beyond the security aspect, the withdrawal of the Rota base could have negative economic consequences for the Cadiz region, including job losses and a decline in local economic activity.

For Donald Trump, the option of a total or partial transfer of the Rota base to Morocco is not inconceivable. This operation would bring Washington closer to the Sahel and West Africa and strengthen the fight against terrorism in this region. It would also contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Morocco. The two countries organize African Lion every year, the largest military exercises in Africa.