Two Spanish soldiers evacuated from Ceuta with serious injuries became the focus of a political and media dispute this week. Defence Minister Margarita Robles made an unplanned visit to Gómez Ulla hospital in Madrid as government-aligned media accused the military of assaulting migrants. The timing drew attention amid growing debate over the conduct and safety of Spanish troops stationed at the border.
Robles’ hospital visit was not listed on her official schedule. One soldier had a dislocated shoulder; the other sustained a serious knee injury. One of them underwent surgery for a fractured fibula, information from several independent media reports. Both were reportedly attacked by groups of migrants during recent incidents in Ceuta. Multiple sources, including the Ministry of Defence, confirmed the minister’s visit. Around the same time, TVE’s Malas Lenguas program aired footage and allegations of harsh treatment of migrants, including minors, by Spanish soldiers. Statements from the Ministry of Defence and several major Spanish media outlets said the soldiers were evacuated to Gómez Ulla hospital after incidents on 9 and 12 September 2026, not on the day of the minister’s visit.
While broadcasts focused on images of injured migrants, they largely ignored the frequent assaults faced by military personnel. Military sources say soldiers in Ceuta face daily abuse, including insults and spitting, while shoving and occasional coordinated attacks add to the risks. In late August, twelve migrants were detained after throwing stones at a military vehicle carrying four soldiers, causing injuries and hospitalisation. Another patrol was targeted soon after. On 9 September, a legionnaire was attacked with pepper spray. Euronews and La Voz de Galicia have reported these incidents and clarified that the injuries leading to hospitalisation occurred earlier in September.
Military associations have repeatedly asked the government to allow proportional use of force, saying troops feel exposed and unprotected. The government has so far rejected these requests as reports of violence against soldiers continue. The latest incidents have renewed calls to review current protocols and raised questions about balancing border enforcement with humanitarian responsibilities. RTVE reported that the Ministry of Defence said there was no evidence supporting claims of soldiers beating migrants, while confirming the hospitalisation of the two servicemen.
Government sources, cited by the same media outlets, announced plans to investigate the allegations of beatings. Throughout the day, TVE provided live updates from Moncloa and hosted panel discussions, keeping the issue in the national spotlight. Military representatives say soldiers face growing risks in their daily work and receive limited support.
As previously reported, Ceuta has seen a rise in violent incidents targeting Spanish military patrols, leading to operational changes and tighter security. The current controversy highlights ongoing tension at Spain’s North African border, where soldiers are expected to maintain order amid complex migration flows and political scrutiny.
The government’s refusal to change rules of engagement, despite repeated appeals from military associations, suggests reluctance to shift policy under media pressure. Robles’ brief, unannounced hospital visit appears intended to draw attention to the risks soldiers face and the accusations against the military. With no clear government action on soldiers’ safety or the treatment of migrants, the situation remains unresolved for those on the ground.
