Battle of El Hammam

On 19 May 1924, French troops launched a vast offensive against the fortified positions of El Hammam, in the heart of the western Rif. This battle formed part of the plan to encircle Abdelkrim from the south and west. After massive artillery preparation and targeted aerial bombardment, French shock units advanced through rugged gorges and slopes. Despite fierce Rifian defence, the line gave way at the end of the day. The French victory at El Hammam marks a turning point in the Rif War.

Since the victory at Beni Bou Yahi, the French had planned a junction with Spanish forces in the north, in order to crush Abdelkrim's strongholds. El Hammam constituted a key position between the Ajdir mountains and the northern valleys. Rifian forces concentrated part of their resistance there, hoping to halt the colonial advance. For the French general staff, it was imperative to neutralise this line before launching the general summer offensive. The battle of El Hammam was thus conceived as a major preparatory operation.

The French conducted a pincer offensive: zouaves and tirailleurs attacked frontally, while the Legion operated an outflanking manoeuvre through the southern ridges. Heavy batteries neutralised fortified points before the assault. Tactical aviation targeted Rifian supply lines. Progress was slow in the morning but accelerated in the afternoon after destruction of an enemy command post by a 155 mm shell. An armoured squadron (FT tanks) secured the rear plateaus. Resistance collapsed at the end of the day.

The capture of El Hammam deeply disorganised Rifian defence in the west. Abdelkrim lost a major logistical strongpoint and several tribal chiefs were killed or captured there. This victory enabled the French to secure their left flank and prepare the next stage: the push toward Ajdir and coordination with the future Spanish Alhucemas landing. Politically, the battle reinforced the legitimacy of the Franco-Spanish alliance. For the Rifians, it represented a strategic shock, precipitating a general withdrawal toward the northern heights.