Two Spanish soldiers have been transported to the Gómez Ulla military hospital in Madrid for medical treatment following suspected attacks in Ceuta. One of the soldiers suffered a fractured fibula and a shoulder injury. The incidents occurred against the backdrop of a tense security situation in the Spanish enclave in North Africa.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
According to Spanish media reports, the injured soldiers were transferred to the Spanish mainland. Defense Minister Margarita Robles visited the military personnel at the hospital in Madrid.
Attacks on soldiers in Ceuta
The recent incidents are linked to several reported attacks on security forces in Ceuta. According to the military association ATME, two soldiers had already been injured in separate incidents in early September.
A member of the Regulares unit reportedly sustained an elbow injury following an altercation during an operation. Another soldier from the Spanish Legion was attacked with pepper spray in the El Príncipe district and also required medical attention.
Based on the available information, it has not been conclusively determined exactly which of these incidents are attributable to the two soldiers flown to Madrid.
Guardia Civil also affected by attacks
It was not only military personnel but also Guardia Civil officers who were recently affected by violent incidents in Ceuta. According to the Asociación Unificada de la Guardia Civil (AUGC), two Guardia Civil officers and a soldier were injured in two separate incidents within a span of less than 24 hours.
The first incident occurred last Friday at midday on the Explanada Muelle de Poniente. A Guardia Civil patrol assisted a military patrol there in identifying five Moroccan nationals who stated they intended to return to Morocco. During the operation, one of the men allegedly attacked an officer.
A soldier was injured in another incident the following night. According to the report, he sustained a fractured fibula and a shoulder injury.
Military associations call for better protection
The reported attacks have once again sparked calls for better protection for personnel on duty. The military association ATME and the Civil Guard union AUGC have highlighted the risks faced by soldiers and security officers during their deployments in Ceuta.
The AUGC calls for, among other things, a permanent reinforcement of operational forces, adequate equipment, and better legal protection. Furthermore, the organization demands greater recognition of the occupational risks faced by the officers.
Tense situation in the Spanish enclave
Ceuta is located on the North African Mediterranean coast and borders Morocco. The city is frequently affected by tensions related to migration and border crossings.
In late July, there was a major rush on the border. The events sparked a political debate regarding the Spanish authorities’ preparedness and response. Cooperation with Morocco and the role of the security forces were also discussed.
The recent attacks on military personnel and Civil Guard officers are part of a series of reported security incidents in the city. However, the individual cases differ in terms of how they unfolded and the people involved.
