Canary Islands panic as Moroccan Navy in live fire drills just miles off coast (2024)

The Moroccan navy will conduct live-fire exercises (Image: Getty)

The Moroccan Navy is set to conduct live-fire exercises in the Atlantic Ocean near Western Sahara, just 87 miles southwest of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, sparking concerns for the welfare of local wildlife.

These exercises are scheduled to take place daily from September 1 until December 31, between 7am and 6pm.

The drills will occur 20 nautical miles from coordinates L 26° 50’ N and G 014° 00’ W, located off the southwestern coast of El Aaiún, remaining outside Spanish territorial waters.

Sources close to the operation confirmed that the Spanish Ministry of Defence was notified, according to Canarian Weekly, assuring the exercises would not encroach on Canary Islands' territorial waters.

Earlier this year, similar drills were conducted from March 29 until June 28, also near the Canary Islands.

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The drills will be held just miles off the coast (Image: Getty)

Despite regional government concerns, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasised that the exercises were held in "well-defined areas far from Spanish waters."

The Cabildo de Fuerteventura has strongly opposed the naval exercises, citing potential risks to marine life.

Lola García, President of the Cabildo, also expressed her concerns after being notified by the El Aaiún Maritime Fisheries Delegation.

She plans to seek further information from the Spanish government regarding the exercises, assuming they have been fully informed.

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García stressed the environmental risks posed by these military activities in an area known for its rich biodiversity, describing it as one of the "most biodiverse oceanic corridors on the planet."

She warned the maneuvers could significantly impact numerous unique species in the region, referencing the 2002 incident involving the stranding and death of 14 beaked whales.

Additionally, García sees these exercises as a potential violation by Morocco of the United Nations resolution concerning Western Sahara.