Spain denies removing flag from disputed islets near Moroccan coast

Spain’s Ministry of Defense has denied reports that it recently removed the national flag from two small islets located just off Morocco’s Mediterranean coast near Al Hoceima, calling the claims “false.”

“No national symbols have recently been removed, nor has there been any change in the status of these islets,” the ministry said in a statement to Spanish fact-checking outlet Newtral.

The islets, El Bar and El Bahar, are situated roughly 50 meters from the Moroccan shore and have long been considered points of diplomatic sensitivity between Spain and Morocco.

Reports circulating in international media, including France24, described what they called a “surprising and unprecedented move” by Madrid to lower the Spanish flag, raising speculation over a potential shift in Spain’s territorial stance.

However, Spain’s Defense Ministry rejected those claims, clarifying that the islets have not had traditional flagpoles with fabric or metal flags for over two decades. Instead, the ministry said, metal structures painted in the colors of the Spanish flag are used to signal Spanish presence.

These structures are mounted on elevated concrete platforms.

The ministry also noted that while weather, marine exposure, and local wildlife occasionally affect the visibility of the painted colors, there has been no recent maintenance issue and the flag markers remain visible.

While some observers interpreted the reported removal of symbols as a sign of shifting diplomatic priorities or a de-escalation gesture in Spain’s relationship with Morocco, officials insisted there has been no change in policy.

Spanish media coverage echoed the international reaction, questioning whether the supposed flag removal could indicate a shift in Madrid’s long-standing position on the uninhabited islets.

The government’s response suggests otherwise, reaffirming that the status of the islets remains unchanged.