The Land Operational Command Deploys Patrols in Ceuta, Melilla, El Hierro, and for the First Time, Ibiza

• In recent weeks, land patrols have been activated across all Spanish extra-peninsular territories as part of ongoing Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations

The Land Operational Command (MOT in Spanish), headquartered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has activated and deployed land patrols across all non-peninsular territories over recent weeks. The objective is to conduct surveillance, enhance situational awareness in key areas, and contribute to their overall protection. These operational activities form part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, under the operational control of the Commander of the Operations Command.

‘Baleares’ Tactical Group

In the Balearic archipelago, a section from Palma Infantry Regiment N. 47 has deployed to Ibiza—under the Balearic Operational Command—aimed at increasing surveillance and enhancing knowledge of an island characterised by high tourist activity and dispersed population centres. This marks the first-ever deployment of a unit from the Balearic General Command to Ibiza since its integration into the MOT in 2025.

Lieutenant Miguel Ángel Gutiérrez, officer in charge of the deployed section, stated that their mission is to ‘design the patrol routes—on foot and motorised—to ensure the MOT’s objective is met: to establish presence, conduct surveillance, and provide deterrence in the assigned sector of the island’.  This manoeuvre framework allows coverage of both remote areas and densely populated urban zones, such as Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni de Portmany. ‘In Ibiza’, Lieutenant Gutiérrez notes, ‘dense urban centres coexist with isolated dwellings, which is why we focus on ensuring an effective presence at multiple locations, adapting our assets to the operational environment’.

The Palma Infantry Regiment N. 47 has already been conducting similar missions in the region through so-called EXALID patrols, which are well known to both the local population and civil authorities. However, ‘our integration into the LOC now enables more frequent and longer deployments across the islands’, the lieutenant concluded.

‘Islas Canarias’ Tactical Group

In April, a section from Field Artillery Regiment N. 93 was deployed to the island of El Hierro. These land patrols covered various population centres and areas of special interest, thereby enhancing terrain knowledge, fostering interaction with the local population, and strengthening the Armed Forces’ presence on this island territory.

‘Ceuta’ Tactical Group

In Ceuta, April’s Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence activities included the activation of a tactical sub-group from the ‘Duque de Alba’ 2^nd  Tercio of the Spanish Legion, along with a section from Engineer Regiment N. 7. These units carried out both foot and vehicle patrols across the entire territory of Ceuta, performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

‘Melilla’ Tactical Group           

In recent weeks, several military units based in the autonomous city of Melilla have also been deployed: a tactical sub-group from the 'Melilla-Regularres' Infantry Group N. 52, and a tactical group from the ‘Gran Capitán’ 1^st  Tercio of the Spanish Legion.

The Land Operational Command

The Land Operational Command is under the leadership of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, is the branch of the Armed Forces responsible for the planning, execution, and monitoring of all such operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining oversight over national sovereign spaces, enabling the early detection of threats and ensuring a timely and viable response to any potential crisis.

The Operations Command

The Operations Command, which falls under the Defence Staff, is tasked with the planning and direction of permanent operations on national territory, with the aim of maintaining Presence, ensuring Surveillance, and achieving Deterrence across land, maritime, air, space, and cyber domains. To meet these objectives, it commands the subordinate Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Space (MOESPA) and Cyber (MOC) Operational Commands.