Spain: Authorities to increase security in Canary Islands November 13

Event

Spanish authorities announced on Friday, November 13, that they would increase security measures in and around the Canary Islands following an increase in migrant crossings from Africa in recent weeks. Security forces will deploy three additional vessels, as well as fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and a submarine, to support existing forces stationed in the Canaries and in the waters between Africa and the islands. Some 16,000 people have made the crossing in 2020, ten times more than in 2019, including 2213 last weekend. Additional facilities are to be opened throughout the archipelago, with almost 2000 people currently being held in poor conditions at Gran Canaria's Arguineguin port.

A heightened security presence is to be expected at port facilities throughout the islands over the medium term.  

Advice

Those in the Canary Islands are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.