Retired Admiral blames Spanish government for hiding Moroccan naval incursion in Ceuta
Admiral Juan Rodríguez Garat says the Spanish government concealed a Moroccan warship’s entry into Ceuta’s waters to protect its electoral prospects.
Juan Rodríguez Garat, a retired admiral with 47 years of service, contends that Morocco deliberately sent naval vessels into Spanish-controlled waters of Ceuta as part of a coordinated hybrid-war campaign. He accuses the Spanish government of suppressing information about the incident to minimise electoral damage, noting that a Moroccan patrol boat was observed lingering for hours despite official denials. Garat stresses that a visible Spanish warship should have been stationed at the port to deter such actions and that the lack of a clear political response signals a failure to recognise an attack on sovereignty.
He also warns that similar incursions are likely to continue and calls for stronger military and diplomatic measures, including invoking NATO consultations. The admiral’s remarks highlight tensions over migration, border security, and Spain’s broader strategy toward Morocco.
Why it matters
The statements expose possible political manipulation of security information and raise concerns about Spain's readiness to defend its overseas territories.
How this story developed
- Aug 21 Spanish police detain five suspected migrant smugglers operating from Ceuta
- Sep 28 Frontex added that the western Mediterranean corridor recorded a 34% rise.
- Sep 28 The European Union is preparing detailed accession roadmaps for Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Albania, outlining staged reforms and timelines.
- Oct 1 etc
- Oct 7 King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will invite civil-society groups from Ceuta and Melilla to the traditional reception at the Royal Palace.
- Oct 10 EU has begun drafting specific accession roadmaps for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania.
- Oct 12 Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish territorial waters around Ceuta while large numbers of migrants crossed the land border, prompting a Spanish naval response.
- Oct 13 The royals have begun an overnight stay in Ceuta as part of their extended visit.
- Oct 13 Santa María was replaced by the frigate Navarra after a mechanical failure.
- Oct 13 Police and the army cleared the Guano informal migrant settlement in Ceuta’s northern bay days before the royal visit.
- Oct 14 EU officials released a draft accession schedule for the four candidates.
- Oct 14 The royal couple travelled from Ceuta to Melilla, where they were presented with the city’s golden key and toured a bilingual school with an autism classroom.
- Oct 15 Feijóo filed a popular accusation with the Audiencia Nacional over the Moroccan ships' entry.
- Oct 15 In his Melilla speech the king emphasized the city’s status as part of the EU’s external border.
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