Spain has sharply reduced its military presence in occupied Ceuta, cutting the number of soldiers patrolling the streets from around 200 to just 25, according to Spanish newspaper OKDIARIO. Patrols are now limited to daytime hours.
The newspaper reported that two full military companies had been providing round-the-clock coverage following the mass influx of migrants into the city. Spain’s Ministry of Defence has since scaled back the deployment to a single military unit, while another unit from the Rapid Reaction Force remains on standby overnight.
Soldiers are also no longer permanently stationed at shopping centres or the University Hospital, OKDIARIO reported.
The reduction has fuelled concerns among local residents, who raised the issue directly with Defence Minister Margarita Robles during her visit to Ceuta on November 9. They called on the government to strengthen security and increase the number of troops deployed in the city.
Residents are now preparing to take to the streets on November 21 under the slogan “Ceuta Is Still Waiting”, in a demonstration aimed at pressing the authorities to address their concerns.
Meanwhile, the Association of Soldiers and Naval Personnel (ATME) has asked King Felipe VI, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armed Forces, to receive its representatives. The Spanish Royal Household reportedly forwarded the association’s request to the government as a matter of urgency.