The Land Operational Command Reinforces Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Patrols in Extra-Peninsular Territories

•  Various military units are being deployed in sovereign areas to increase their operational capacity in the protection of the territory

The Land Operational Command deploys various tactical groups and subgroups to conduct Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, which are carried out periodically across the entire extra-peninsular territory — including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and the Balearic Islands — under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command.

Tactical Group ‘Balearic Islands’

The Balearic Operational Command, which has recently joined the Land Operational Command, plans to deploy patrols at the platoon, section, or Tactical Subgroup level on each of the islands that make up the archipelago.

So far, during this month of March, the Balearic Operational Command has progressively increased its deployment, from platoon-sized units to Tactical Subgroups in Mallorca. In the coming months, patrols will be extended to the rest of the Balearic islands, with Ibiza scheduled for next month, April.

‘These deployments contribute to improving situational awareness, carrying out surveillance tasks, and advancing institutional relations with a view to supporting civil authorities if required’, highlight officials from the Balearic General Command.

Tactical Group ‘Melilla’

The Tactical Group ‘Melilla’ carried out presence, surveillance, and deterrence patrols between the 10^th  and 14^th  of March. These missions, executed by the Melilla Regulars Group N. 52, involved area control operations at various strategic points, ensuring surveillance and security of the territory, including islands and islets.

‘The Melilla community is highly aware of the activities carried out by the units of the Melilla General Command and their daily deployments in the Military Zones, which they highly value. They feel supported by their constant presence, knowing that they are there to provide an immediate response to any threat,’ officials from the Melilla General Command emphasize.

The Land Operational Command

The Land Operational Command (LOC) is the operational branch of the Armed Forces' structure, subordinate to the Chief of the Defence, responsible for the planning, management, and oversight of ongoing operations for the surveillance and security of sovereign land spaces, areas of responsibility, and national interests. It is under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera.

The Operations Command

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance over sovereign land, maritime, and air spaces, allowing for the early detection of threats and enabling an immediate and viable response to any potential crisis.

The Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber, and Space Operational Commands make up the structure of the Permanent Commands. Every day, around 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in these operations, under the operational control of the Operations Command.