Chants of “you are not alone” at the public event in support of Spanish troops in Ceuta

This Wednesday, many citizens of Ceuta, both civilians and military personnel, attended a gathering at the Plaza de los Reyes.

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The event was organized by the Spanish Troops and Sailors Association (ATME) to demand recognition as agents of authority for soldiers patrolling Ceuta, as well as the recognition of the military profession as a high-risk occupation—a demand that remains unmet to this day, despite the announcement made by the Ministry of Defence in May.

2⃣Los militares de Ceuta no están solos.
ATME y la ciudadania de Ceuta les apoyan.#ATMEactua #FAS pic.twitter.com/7JvR4vUSuv

— Asociación de Tropa y Marinería Española ATME (@_ATME) September 16, 2026

Many residents of Ceuta attended the rally carrying flags of Spain, Ceuta, and Europe, chanting "you are not alone" (as can be heard in the video above) in support of the Spanish troops serving in the autonomous city under difficult conditions—facing orders that leave them defenseless, conducting patrols while poorly armed, and frequently suffering assaults by the intruders who invaded the city from Morocco on July 30. Just today, it was reported that two soldiers have been transferred to the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital in Madrid after being assaulted in Ceuta.

Today, ATME expressed "its deep gratitude to the citizens of Ceuta and to the military personnel deployed in the autonomous city for the extraordinary support shown" during the rally held yesterday. "The public response was so massive and resounding that it is difficult to find words to accurately describe the strength and emotion of that backing." ATME adds: "The turnout of thousands of Ceuta residents—alongside military personnel, their families, State Security Forces and Corps, and other public servants—clearly demonstrated that Ceuta society recognizes the essential role the Armed Forces play in defending territorial integrity and directly supporting the population. The public made it loud and clear that the current conditions faced by military personnel are humiliating, and that there is an urgent need to move toward a professional model that is dignified, modern, and fully recognized."

ATME has highlighted "the courage, dedication, and spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by the military personnel deployed in Ceuta, as well as the commitment of their families, who have stood by and supported them at every step of this exceptional situation. The people of Ceuta have made it clear that we are not alone: ​​they cherish their military personnel, want more troops, desire better-trained professionals, and seek recognition of the military career as a high-risk profession, with rights and guarantees commensurate with the responsibilities undertaken."

The Spanish Enlisted Personnel Association has hailed the success of this call to action: "A humble association, made up of enlisted troops and sailors, managed to bring together an unprecedented number of citizens in support of their military personnel, demonstrating that society demands dignified working conditions, an end to the policy of mandatory discharge at age 45, and genuine recognition of the service provided by the Armed Forces."

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Video and photos: Asociación de Tropa y Marinería Española (ATME).