Battle of Ouizert

The Battle of Ouizert saw French troops under General Changarnier confront and disperse important force of Emir Abd el-Kader near Mostaganem. Though outnumbered, French effectively exploited terrain and mobile artillery to disorganize enemy. This victory accelerated collapse of Abd el-Kader's military authority in western Algeria.

After fierce fighting of 1845, Abd el-Kader's forces reorganized in Ouarsenis and western Algerois region. French launched deep offensive to prevent any reconstitution of emirate. General Changarnier, experienced and adept at forced marches, led expedition from Mostaganem. He engaged enemy in hilly Ouizert region known for escarpments suited to ambushes.

French infantry advanced in echelon formation covered by light artillery sections. Changarnier used spahis to fix enemy cavalry on left wing while zouaves advanced in open order to contain frontal attacks. Rapid counterattack on enemy right flank combined with targeted bombardment provoked dislocation of opposing dispositions. Abd el-Kader was forced to retreat in confusion.

This victory marked turning point in war of attrition against emir. French army now imposed constant military domination on western high plateaus. Morale of Abd el-Kader's partisans eroded and several local tribes defected. This battle contributed to strategic suffocation of emir, captured the following year.