Almería on alert: CIA warns of potential Russian drone strike

When you think of places that might feature on a CIA watchlist, most probably imagine major metropolis cities or far-out compounds in the dessert – scenes that would be believable backdrops to a Bond or Borne movie – not a seaside town in the South of Spain. And yet, Almería was recently put on alert by the US intelligence agency.

CIA warning over Russian drones in Spain

National newspaper El Mundo recently reported that the CIA issued warning of a possible Russian drone strike on Spain, France or Italy. Should the Kremlin target Spain, Almería has been identified as a prime target, in large part because of its port.

The CIA has warned European officials of small but long-range drones that could, hypothetically, be smuggled on merchant ships and launched onto land from a distance of 200 kilometres.

Intelligence agents also warned of the possible use of the Russian “ghost fleet”, oil tankers used by Moscow under different international flags to carry exports around the world, that could infiltrate strategic points.

Why Almería could be vulnerable  

Almería’s position on the Mediterranean and its concentration of important infrastructure are key reasons why it appears in the scenario. The city is home to a significant port, while Almería Airport and the Base Álvarez de Sotomayor in Viator are also located nearby.

The potential targets are not limited to military installations. Airports, ports and other critical infrastructure could theoretically be affected by an attack involving small drones. The Gerbera’s relatively limited payload means it would not have the destructive capacity of a conventional missile, but an attack could still cause disruption, fires or temporary interruptions to important services.

No imminent Russian drone attack

For residents in Almería: there’s no need to pack an emergency kit and bunker down just yet. An attack is not imminent. These warnings are largely based in hypotheticals. More than anything, they serve to identify security weak points and ensure the military has a response plan for every possible outcome.

It’s also worth noting that Almería is being used by the Spanish military to develop and test counter-drone capabilities. Exercises involving C-UAS, or counter-uncrewed aircraft systems, have taken place at the Base Álvarez de Sotomayor.

For now, therefore, the CIA warning is best understood as a warning about a possible scenario rather than an indication that an attack on Almería is expected. For a city better known for its beaches, port and sunny Mediterranean climate, however, appearing on a map of potential Russian drone threats is certainly an unusual development.