The siege of Melilla was lifted by Waterford-born general John Sherlock 250 years ago this week
The Spanish enclave of Melilla will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Irish General John Sherlock (Juan), who lifted the siege of the city by Moroccan forces in 1775. Melilla has a history of honoring Sherlock and other Irish figures like General Leopoldo O'Donnell and Lieutenant Rafael Bermingham, with streets named after them and St. Patrick's Day recognized. Melilla and Ceuta are Spanish enclaves surrounded by Morocco, leading to ongoing tensions over their sovereignty and concerns about illegal immigration and potential recognition of Moroccan claims by the US.
