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Troops from the Logistic Support Group 41 (AALOG 41) who are based in Aragon were told of their move at about 7pm last night.

The exact number of soldiers is not known but according to the newspaper El Confidencial, two contingents of troops are being sent in 20 trucks.

It is understood their orders are to provide logistical support to the Guardia Civil and national police still stationed in the region.

The appearance of troops is likely to be seen as highly controversial as the President of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont has previously referred to the presence of the Guardia Civil and national police as “occupying forces” and had said they should leave all four of the Catalan provinces immediately.

Former Vice President Alfonso Guerra defends the idea of sending the Army to Catalonia.

The former president and leader of socialist party PSOE Alfonso Guerra has defended the decision to send the Army into Catalonia in case the police were not able to control the situation created by a "pro-fascist" independence movement that is attempting "a coup d’etat".

In an interview with radio station Onda Cero, he recalled that in Paris the Army has been in the streets for a year because of the terrorist threat and that does not make France less of a democratic country.



Alfonso Guerra has supported the message that the King addressed the Spaniards last night because he made an emphasis "where it is needed, in the members of the coup d’etat", with whom he believes it is not possible to negotiate.