Spain questions Morocco-US military drills near Canary Islands
The reinforcement of military relations between Morocco and the United States is sparking concern among some of Spain’s political figures. This tension was highlighted on Wednesday when Cristina Valido, a parliament member from the Canary Coalition, addressed a series of written questions to Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. She expressed apprehension about the creation of the African Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) in Tan-Tan and the recent first live cruise missile launch conducted at the site.
Ms. Valido remarked that these actions are causing «growing uncertainty among citizens in the Canary Islands regarding the full extent of these activities and their potential impact on regional security».
As a representative of the Canary Coalition, which supports the central government, the MP is seeking clarity on whether the Foreign Affairs and Defense ministries were consulted about these maneuvers, if this information was communicated to the Canary Islands’ government, and what steps will be taken to ensure AMTEC’s operations do not threaten the security of the archipelago.
This inquiry marks the first formal political appeal in Spain, urging Pedro Sánchez’s government to inform parliament about the military activities occurring near the Canary Islands.
In April, Morocco and the United States signed an extended roadmap for military collaboration through 2036. The partnership has notably accelerated since Washington recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara at the end of Donald Trump’s first term.
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