Spanish Defence Ministry Upgrades Ceuta Troops' Food After Abuse Claims

The Union of Troop and Navy (UMT) and the Association of Troop and Navy (ATME) reported that Spanish soldiers deployed in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla were working 14‑16‑hour shifts with only two hours of rest and were being supplied with minimal rations – a sandwich, a piece of fruit or yogurt, a few biscuits and bottled water. The groups warned that such conditions jeopardised the troops' ability to perform their duties and raised concerns about legal responsibility for the personnel.

In response, the Spanish Ministry of Defence announced an immediate improvement to the soldiers' meals. From the following Wednesday, troops could eat hot dishes in the barracks, including lentils, chicken with salad, vegetables, and other varied options, replacing the previous single‑bag provisions. The change aims to ensure adequate nutrition and better support the long‑hour deployments during the migration crisis in Ceuta.