Spain expands maritime patrol off Melilla amid migration pressure

Spain has bolstered its maritime presence off the coast of the occupied city of Melilla, deploying the patrol vessel "Rio Segura." This move by the Civil Guard is a direct response to recent increases in migration pressures in the area.

The "Rio Segura," part of the Civil Guard's maritime service, is specifically tasked with border surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, and conducting search and rescue missions at sea. Its deployment is intended to enhance the capacity to manage the complex situations that have recently affected the city.

Sabrina Moh, the Spanish government's delegate in Melilla, stated that the reinforcement of both human and material resources is crucial for addressing the challenging circumstances observed in recent days. The vessel itself is 73 meters long, capable of carrying a crew of 27, 12 intervention unit members, and up to 50 rescued individuals. It also possesses a sailing range of 9,000 nautical miles.

This increased presence aims to effectively manage migration flows and combat smuggling activities, reflecting Spain's ongoing efforts to control its borders in the sensitive region of North Africa.

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The reinforcement of human and material means aims to deal with the complex situations that the city has witnessed in recent days.