The Chafarinas Islands have been under Spanish administration since the 19th century, but their future seems increasingly uncertain in the eyes of Madrid. Located just a few kilometers from the Moroccan coast, this archipelago is the subject of historical claims by Rabat, which could take advantage of major legal ambiguities in the Spanish texts to support its demand.
A recent survey by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS) reveals a growing concern in Spain about the risk of armed conflict. Among the scenarios envisaged by public opinion, a confrontation with Morocco ranks second in the expressed fears, just behind Russia.
In his memoirs published this week under the title "Reconciliation", the King of Spain Juan Carlos I looks back on his friendship with King Hassan II of Morocco and recounts how their relationship helped maintain stability between the two countries for decades. He notably reveals the pragmatic position of the Moroccan monarch on the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, located on the North African coast.
Entrepreneurs from Ceuta and Melilla express their frustration with the inaction of the Spanish authorities to relaunch the commercial customs. They point the finger at the lack of willingness of Morocco, which claims the two autonomous cities and considers them as occupied territories.
The resolution of the UN Security Council approving the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara as the sole basis for resolving the conflict could motivate Morocco to persist in its claims concerning Ceuta, Melilla, the Spanish islands and rocks. This is at least what a certain Spanish press fears.
The Civil Guard has intercepted in the port of Melilla a high-end BMW car worth 193,000 euros, stolen in Belgium and destined for Morocco. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized.
A major Spanish military operation is underway near the Moroccan coast. Reinforcements from the Legion have been deployed to the Chafarinas Islands and the Perejil Islet. This maneuver is a message.
The business leaders of Ceuta and Melilla are angry. They denounce Morocco’s behavior at the border, describing it as a "unreliable neighbor", and are calling for the immediate intervention of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The health authorities of Melilla have reported a new case of rabies coming from Morocco.
The Spanish army is conducting military exercises off the Moroccan coast. These maneuvers called Sinergia 25 would be causing concern in Morocco where they are considered "large-scale military operations".
The Moroccan authorities have arrested at the Beni Enzar border post a former civil guard (gendarme) in possession of 30 kilos of hashish carefully hidden in his car.
According to a study carried out by the commander of the Spanish army, Emilio José Arias Otero, and published by the Higher Center for National Defense Studies (Ceseden), Spain is not ready to effectively respond to the growing pressure exerted by Morocco to recover the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.