Spain cancels 100th-anniversary event of Al Hoceima landing to avoid tensions with Morocco

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has canceled plans to commemorate the centenary of the Alhucemas landing. 

The decision, made under the direction of the Chief of the Defense Staff Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, was confirmed by sources within the Defense Staff (EMAD) and reported by El Confidencial Digital and THE OBJECTIVE.

Robles cited the need “to avoid anything that could anger or inconvenience Morocco” as the reason for halting the celebrations. The Alhucemas landing, which took place on September 8, 1925, was a pivotal moment during the Rif War, marking the first successful joint amphibious operation. Initially, the Army proposed including this anniversary in the 2025 celebrations, and a budget was allocated for the event.

However, once the plan reached Robles’ office, she decided to stop the commemoration to prevent diplomatic tensions with Morocco.

The operation, which took place during the Rif War, involved both Spanish and French forces due to Morocco’s division into protectorates.

 The landing led to the eventual pacification of the Rif region and is considered a precursor to later amphibious operations, such as the Normandy invasion during World War II.

Led by then-Colonel Francisco Franco, the Alhucemas operation began on September 8, 1925, and involved eight thousand men, multiple warships, and extensive air support. 

The landing, despite fierce resistance, was a turning point in both the Moroccan War and Franco’s military career, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power during the Spanish Civil War.