The Land Operations Command is stepping up surveillance and situational awareness in territories outside the Iberian Peninsula during the month of March

•   Presence, surveillance and reconnaissance patrols have been carried out, as well as cooperation activities with the local population

As part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, the Land Operations Command is activating various Tactical Groups in overseas territories during March to strengthen surveillance and situational awareness in key areas, as well as to collaborate in their comprehensive protection.

‘Canarias’ Tactical Group

In the Canary Islands, the ‘Canarias’ Tactical Group has been deployed for nine days, with the participation of personnel from all units within the 16th ‘Canarias’ Brigade.

The deployment took place across all the islands of the archipelago, with patrols stationed at various strategic points, which has enabled a better understanding of the terrain and strengthened surveillance across the entire island territory.

In addition to presence, surveillance and deterrence duties, other cooperation activities with the civilian population have been carried out.

‘Ceuta’ Tactical Group

In the Autonomous City of Ceuta, the Tactical Group’s operations have been carried out in stages throughout the month.

On 2 and 3 March, the 30th Mixed Artillery Regiment carried out patrols. From 9 to 13 March, the 7th Engineers Regiment took over the deployment, followed by the 54th Ceuta Regulars Group between 16 and 18 March. On 25 and 26 March, the 2nd ‘Duque de Alba’ Battalion of the Legion was activated and, finally, on 30 and 31 March, the 3rd ‘Montesa’ Cavalry Regiment was deployed.

‘Melilla’ Tactical Group

In the Autonomous City of Melilla, between 2 and 6 March, personnel from the 32nd Mixed Artillery Regiment carried out surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Subsequently, on 11 and 12 March, personnel from the 8th Engineers Regiment took part.

Between 16 and 18 March, the 52nd Melilla Regulars Group was deployed, whilst on 30 and 31 March patrols were carried out by the 1st ‘Gran Capitán’ Battalion of the Legion.

These deployments have enabled a continuous presence to be maintained at points of interest, contributing to the surveillance and security of the territory, including the islands and islets under national sovereignty.

‘Baleares’ Tactical Subgroup

In the Balearic Islands, the Tactical Subgroup was deployed on the island of Mallorca between 16 and 20 March.

During this period, presence, surveillance and reconnaissance patrols were carried out in various areas of the island, helping to improve coordination and knowledge of the operational environment.

Land Operational Command and the OPVDs

The Land Operational Command (MOT), under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, is the body within the Armed Forces responsible for the planning, conduct and monitoring of all these operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.

Together with the MOT, the Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Space (MOESPA) and Cyberspace (MOC) Operational Commands form the structure of the Permanent Commands. On a daily basis, some 850 personnel from the Armed Forces are involved in permanent operations, which are conducted under the operational control of the Operations Command.

Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance of areas of national interest, enabling the early detection of threats and facilitating an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis.