In a military escalation, Spanish sources have accused the British Royal Navy of heightening tensions with Spain. This follows the announcement of military exercises in Gibraltar and areas that Madrid claims are under its sovereignty.
The maneuvers include fast boats, live-fire exercises, and signal flares with parachutes, set for Tuesday, November 4, in an area extending from the port of Gibraltar, passing through Europa Point, to the eastern side of the Rock, in waters that the Spanish government considers to be under its jurisdiction.
Coinciding with the British drill, a Spanish court is investigating land reclamation activities in Gibraltar, following a decision issued on October 14 based on Spain’s sovereignty over the waters and the Treaty of Utrecht.
The exercise area is in waters claimed by Gibraltar and Britain as part of their sovereignty, which Spain does not recognize. Spain asserts that the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 ceded the city, the port, and its defenses but not the surrounding waters.
It is noteworthy that a similar exercise prompted an official complaint from the Spanish Foreign Ministry to Britain, expressing its rejection of what it deems incursions violating its sovereignty. Three weeks later, London disregarded Madrid’s concerns and redeployed its units in the region.
This military escalation occurs amid sensitive negotiations over the future of Gibraltar following Brexit, where Spain seeks to secure control over the surrounding waters, while Britain reaffirms its historical rights.
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