Under the operational control of the Army Operations Command, these units carry out surveillance and deterrence missions in the autonomous city. Melilla, like Sebta or the Chafarinas Islands and the rock of Velez de la Gomera, are claimed by Morocco which considers these territories to be vestiges of the colonial period. For its part, Spain maintains that these spaces are an integral part of its territory.
Read: Spain conducts military exercises not far from Morocco
For several years, Morocco has invested in strengthening and modernizing its army. The kingdom has acquired significant advanced military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, Patriot air defense systems and armored vehicles from the United States, as well as surveillance and surveillance drones. attack on Israel, China and Turkey. A rearmament that worries Spain.
Read: Spain strengthens its military presence in territories claimed by Morocco
According to The debate, four factors explain this rearmament of Morocco. This concerns the instability in the Sahel, prey to struggles between terrorist groups and trafficking networks which seek to control this region, the crisis with Algeria with the Sahara question in the background, the will of kingdom to strengthen its leadership in the region with help from the United States and France, and greater participation in joint military operations.
