Battle of Al-Qrayya

From 15 to 17 February 1926, French troops launched a large-scale operation to retake the village of Al-Qrayya, a strategic Druze stronghold in the south of the massif. After weeks of logistical preparation, the assault was launched with massive air support. Druze resistance was fierce but disorganised by French technological superiority. The battle ended in a clear French victory, which marked the beginning of progressive reconquest of Jabal al-Druze.

Al-Qrayya had become one of the principal logistical centres of the Druze rebellion, serving as an arms depot and fallback base. After the reverses of 1925, French high command, now directed by Gamelin, wanted to strike hard and symbolically at the heart of insurgent territory. The objective was to begin a methodical reconquest of the massif, proceeding by armoured columns and air support, to isolate rebel villages from one another.

The assault began with a series of aerial bombardments targeting barns, forests, and houses used as entrenchments. Troops then advanced in close formation, protected by Renault FT armour and 75 mm guns. The Druze, though few in number, counter-attacked with their cavalry and harassment fire from the heights. Encirclement of the village was completed in 48 hours, forcing rebels to flee eastward. Skirmishes continued in surrounding hills, but the position was secured.

The capture of Al-Qrayya marked the first clear French success since the failure at Suwayda. It restored confidence to colonial troops and provided an anchor point to pursue reconquest of Jabal al-Druze. Politically, it enabled the French government to justify intensification of military intervention. On the Druze side, the battle revealed the limits of organised resistance facing French firepower, inaugurating a strategic withdrawal toward more northerly mountain zones.