Landing at Alhucemas

From 8 to 13 September 1925, French and Spanish forces carried out a massive amphibious landing in the bay of Alhucemas, political and symbolic heart of the Republic of the Rif. The objective was to break Abdelkrim's centre of gravity. This unprecedented operation for the period combined naval, air, and land attack. After intense bombardment, Spanish troops gained a foothold on the beaches under cover of French artillery. Aviation bombed Rifian positions in depth. The success of the landing totally disorganised the Rifian front.

After several years of difficult war, France and Spain decided on a major joint offensive to finish off Abdelkrim's regime. Alhucemas, de facto Rifian capital, was targeted for its strategic importance. Pétain supervised planning on the French side, providing air and naval cover as well as colonial troops for logistical support. It was the first time two colonial powers coordinated an amphibious operation of this scale. The aim was to strike hard to accelerate the end of the conflict.

The bay of Alhucemas was preceded by minefields and coastal defences. The Franco-Spanish plan rested on preparatory naval bombardment, followed by tactical air support. Spanish troops landed in two waves, protected by naval artillery fire. French aviation ensured neutralisation of Rifian guns in the rear. Light tanks were also landed. Progress was rapid thanks to surprise and material superiority. The Rifians, though determined, were outflanked and withdrew inland.

The landing at Alhucemas was a decisive turning point in the Rif War. It brought about the collapse of Abdelkrim's authority in the northern zone and cut the main supply routes. The fall of Ajdir was imminent. This spectacular victory raised the military prestige of France and Spain. The operation is studied in military academies as a prototype of combined amphibious assault. For the Rifians, it was the beginning of the end: their army was now on the defensive and deprived of all strategic depth.