MP Calls for Prior Information on Military Tests Near Canary Islands
Cristina Valido, a member of the Canarian Coalition in the Spanish Congress, has submitted inquiries to the Defence and Foreign Affairs ministries regarding the new African Centre for Multidomain Training and Experimentation (AMTEC) in Tan-Tan, Morocco, approximately 200 kilometres from Lanzarote.
Her initiative follows a live-fire exercise held between 3-7 August, which involved a long-range cruise missile system. This activity is part of military cooperation between the United States and Morocco, and the development of the AMTEC facility.
Valido seeks to understand what information the Spanish government has about these installations and whether any data has been shared with the Canarian government.
The Canarian Coalition believes the proximity of this military centre necessitates timely communication from authorities regarding such exercises. She has also asked the central government to assess the potential impact of these operations on the safety of the Canary Islands and what discussions have taken place with Morocco on this matter.
If the Spanish government currently lacks adequate information, Valido is urging the establishment of mechanisms to ensure prior notification of military tests conducted near Spanish territory.
AMTEC is intended as a training, experimentation, and testing facility for new military technologies for both US and Moroccan forces, including missile systems, drones, and other emerging capabilities.
The Canarian Coalition stresses that the geographical closeness of these activities reinforces the need for enhanced coordination and information exchange between the central government and the Canary Islands.
