Battle of Zújar

The Battle of Zújar pitted French cavalry commanded by Latour-Maubourg against an isolated Spanish force attempting to interrupt French communications in southwestern Spain. Thanks to a skillful turning maneuver, French cavalry dispersed the enemy forces and captured a large number of prisoners.

After the Battle of Albuera, the French sought to secure their lines in the Badajoz region. Mobile Spanish forces conducted harassment operations. Latour-Maubourg was sent to intercept them. The clash occurred in the valley of the Zújar River.

Latour-Maubourg divided his cavalry into two columns to take the Spanish troops in reverse. A coordinated charge by the dragoons crushed the enemy right wing, triggering the rout of the remaining Spanish troops.

The victory temporarily consolidated French domination in this region of Extremadura. Spanish units had to withdraw southward. The route between Badajoz and Seville was provisionally cleared.