Illegal migration: Morocco joins efforts with Canary Islands against people smuggling networks

The Spanish Guardia Civil in Las Palmas and the regional command of the Royal Gendarmerie in Laâyoune have begun joint patrolling operations in the Canary Islands to combat migrant smuggling by criminal networks, according to press reports.

The move shows strong ties and coordination between Morocco and Spain in countering shared security threats. The primary goal is to save the lives of those who embark on dangerous sea journeys, said Spanish Guardia Civil, stressing the humanitarian nature of the initiative.

The joint patrolling will prevent and disrupt the human traffickers and criminals operating in both sides. It will also strengthen further Moroccan-Spanish strategic partnership based on trust, mutual respect, neighborliness and respect for commitments.

Last September, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska lauded Moroccan-Spanish security cooperation, describing it as “exceptional and extraordinary based on trust and good faith”.