Amidst Morocco's rising influence bolstered by alliances with the United States and Israel, Spanish defense circles express growing concern over the strategic vulnerabilities of Ceuta and Melilla. A comprehensive report by the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies warns of hybrid warfare threats, urging Spain to bolster security and infrastructure to counter Morocco's assertive stance in the Strait of Gibraltar. DR ‹ › Morocco's growing regional influence, driven by stronger ties with the United States and Israel, as well as developments in the Sahara issue, is raising concern within Spanish military and security circles. These developments are seen as increasing pressure on the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. In this context, the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, warned that Morocco has become a more assertive actor in the Strait of Gibraltar area. It noted that threats are no longer limited to conventional forms but now include «hybrid warfare», such as migration pressure, economic leverage, and the exploitation of structural vulnerabilities. In a detailed report spanning 260 pages and focused on the situation in the two cities, the institute highlighted that the ports of Ceuta and Melilla represent a strategic vulnerability due to their heavy reliance on maritime transport and exposure to multiple pressures, including irregular migration and weak cybersecurity. Calls to strengthen security in Ceuta and Melilla The report also noted that Morocco is reinforcing its strategic position by expanding its port infrastructure, particularly through the Tangier Med and Nador West Med ports, giving it a competitive edge in regional maritime transport and logistics. Spanish experts argue that these projects go beyond economic development and carry geopolitical implications, potentially strengthening Morocco's position in the strait and increasing economic pressure on Ceuta and Melilla. At the same time, Spanish military analyses criticized what they described as «insufficient preparedness» in the two cities, whether at the military, economic, or political level. They argue that Madrid has, in recent years, adopted an approach combining firm rhetoric with practical concessions toward Rabat. The report calls on Spain to develop a comprehensive strategy for its border regions, including increased investment in critical infrastructure, improved cybersecurity, and stronger coordination between security and military agencies, alongside traditional defense planning to address potential escalation. It also recommends integrating Ceuta and Melilla into international maritime security frameworks and enhancing their defense capabilities through better coordination across all branches of the armed forces, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.
