The Spanish maritime action ship Meteoro (P-41) recently patrolled around the Rock of Alhoceima, showing its presence in this area just a few dozen meters from Morocco.
This deployment is part of a context of increased surveillance of Spanish maritime areas, particularly around the Chafarinas islands, Alborán, Perejil (Laila) and the rocks of Alhucemas and Vélez de la Gomera, strategically important territories close to Ceuta and Melilla, but claimed by Morocco, reports the site very hostile to MoroccoEl Debate.
Faced with the intensification of Moroccan pressure on these areas, Spain’s National Security Strategy of 2022 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, particularly on issues such as the opening of customs in Ceuta and Melilla and the delimitation of 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.
