The 9th ‘Soria’ Regiment steps up ground surveillance in Lanzarote

• Members of the ‘Canarias’ Tactical Group are carrying out presence, surveillance and deterrence patrols as part of the Armed Forces’ Permanent Operations

Personnel from the 9th ‘Soria’ Infantry Regiment, part of the 16th ‘Canarias’ Brigade, have begun a series of presence and surveillance patrols on the island of Lanzarote. These activities, which will continue until Monday 13 April, are being carried out both on foot and in vehicles as part of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) on national territory.

The main objectives of the deployment are to reinforce security in the archipelago’s land areas, act as a deterrent, and deepen understanding of the terrain and the social reality of the area. Furthermore, these missions facilitate the integration of Armed Forces personnel into the local community and strengthen their visibility and presence in the territory.

These activities form part of the Permanent Operations, a fundamental pillar of the Armed Forces’ (FAS in Spanish) contribution to National Security in peacetime, ensuring a rapid response to any eventuality that might compromise stability.

The planning and execution of these presence and surveillance missions in the Canary Islands, as well as in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla and in the Balearic Islands, fall to the Land Operations Command (MOT in Spanish), under the command of Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, head of the Army’s Canary Islands Command.

Through this ongoing commitment, the Armed Forces ensure the comprehensive defence of the national territory and the stability of its strategic areas through constant coordination with the civil and military authorities.