Rif War

Start of the War

1921

There were tensions between the Spanish forces that were occupying northern Morocco and the Rif peoples living in that area, so the Berber leader Abd-el-Krim led guerrilla attacks against the Spanish fortifications, and Spain lost all of its territory in the region in a few weeks.

Rif War duration

Period: 1921 to 1926

The Rif War was the Berbers in the Rif mountains' attempt to stop the Spanish (and later French too) colonisation. Although it's known as the Rif War, it was actually the Third Rif War.

Spain evacuated the frontline post of Annual

Jul 22, 1921

Due to the multiple guerrilla attacks, the Spanish general Fernández Silvestre decided to abandon Annual. This made the Spanish troops panic, and the Rif took this opportunity to push the Spanish army back to Melilla.

Military coup d'état

1923

There were two different opinions about the Rif War in Spain: the abandonistas wanted to leave Morocco because of the constant losses and defeats, but the africanists wanted to continue fighting. The africanists, however, were a minority, and the abandonistas' opinions were part of the military coup.

French intervention

Apr 12, 1925

Rif people attacked a line of out-posts that the French had established, killing 20% of the French soldiers in the Rif area. Due to this, France allied with Spain against the Moroccan people.

Final attack

May 8, 1925

French and Spain, with many men, technology and aircraft forces; ended up winning the war.

Bombardment of Chefchaouen

Sep 17, 1925

American forces in service of France bombed Chefchaouen.

Surrender

1926

Abd-el-Krim surrendered to French authorities, and Spanish Morocco was retaken.