The Land Operational Command continues its efforts to safeguard Spain’s overseas territories

•  Through presence, surveillance, and deterrence patrols, tactical groups enhance and ensure the security of areas of sovereignty and national interest

Throughout the month of April, as part of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations, military patrols have continued across Spain’s non-mainland territories, conducted by various Tactical Groups deployed in the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. All activities are directed and coordinated by the Land Operational Command, headquartered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, under the operational control of the Commander of the Joint Operations Command.

In the Canary Islands, the ‘Canarias’ Tactical Group continues to carry out permanent patrols across different islands of the archipelago. From April 1^st  to 5^th, a section of the ‘Canarias’ 50^th  Infantry Regiment deployed to Lanzarote, where they conducted patrol duties and maintained regular contact with the local civilian population.

Tactical Groups in Ceuta and Melilla

In Melilla, from April 2^nd  to 3^rd , a section from the ‘Duke of Alba’ 2nd Regiment of the Legion Brigade was activated. Additionally, a section from the 32^nd  Mixed Artillery Regiment deployed on April 7^th  and 8^th , while the Tactical Subgroup of the 52^nd  Regular Forces Group carried out operations on April 9^th  and 10^th .

Meanwhile, military patrols continue to maintain their presence in Ceuta. In this autonomous city, Tactical Groups from the ‘Regulares’  54^th  Group were active from April 2^nd  to 4^th , a Tactical Subgroup from the ‘Montesa’ 3^rd  Cavalry Regiment deployed from April 9^th  to 10^th, and finally, a section of the 2^nd  Legion Regiment was deployed from April 14^th  to 15^th .

The Land Operational Command

The Land Operational Command is a component of the operational structure of the Spanish Armed Forces, subordinate to the Chief of the Defence (JEMAD). It is responsible, at its level, for planning, conducting, and monitoring the standing operations for the surveillance and security of land-based areas of sovereignty, national responsibility, and interest. It is currently under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera.

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations serve as an effective tool to maintain vigilance over Spain’s land, maritime, and air spaces of sovereignty. These operations enable early detection of threats and allow for an immediate and feasible response to any potential crisis.

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Cyberspace (MOC), and Space (MOESPA) Operational Commands make up the structure of the Permanent Commands. On a daily basis, approximately 3,000 Armed Forces personnel are involved in these operations under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command.