First Battle of Kalaa of the Beni Abbes (1553)

The Battle of the Kalâa of the Beni Abbes took place during the winter of 1553 between the regency of Algiers and the Kingdom of Beni Abbas.

Battle of Kalaa of the Beni Abbes (1553)
Location
Result Kingdom of Ait Abbas Victory
• Maintaining the Kingdom of the Beni Abbes[1]
Territorial
changes
Kabyle Kingdom of Ait Abbas confirms its control over the Bibans and the Hodna
Belligerents
Kingdom of Ait Abbas Regency of Algiers
Commanders and leaders
Abdelaziz Labbes Salah Rais
Strength
Unknown 2000 Janissaries
500 spahis
6000 Arab cavaliers
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown, but high

In order to counterbalance the influence of Sultan Abdelaziz of the Kalaa, Salah Rais ordered an expedition against the Kalaa of the Beni Abbes to annihilate his influence. The army of the Regency camped at Bona, a league from the Kalaa. Abdelaziz made a sortie against them and defeated them after a clash which was deadly for both sides. The armies of the Regency were forced to retreat after heavy losses, and this battle diminished their reputation.[2] The victory allowed Sultan Abdelaziz to confirm his control over the Bibans and the Hodna.[3] The following year the Regency of Algiers directed another expedition against Abdelaziz in the Battle of Oued-el-Lhâm.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Youssef Benoudjit, La Kalâa des Beni Abbès, 1997, p. 243
  2. ^ Adrien Berruger, Les époques militaires de la grande Kabylie, Édition Belles Lettres, 2011, p. 84
  3. ^ Mouloud Gaïd, Chroniques des Beys de Constantine, 1978, p. 10