Battle of Mazagran

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Battle of Mazagran
Part of the French conquest of Algeria
The Siege of Mazagran by Henri Félix Emmanuel Philippoteaux
Date Early February 1840 Location Mazagran, near Mostaganem, French Algeria Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Emirate of Mascara
Commanders and leaders
Captain Hilaire Lelièvre Lieutenant Colonel Dubarrail	Ben Khami
Strength
123 Light Infantrymen	1,200[1][2][3] 2 cannons
Casualties and losses
3 killed, 16 wounded[4]	500 to 600[5][6][7][non-primary source needed]

The Battle of Mazagran was a combat between Arab and Berber forces against French troops during the French conquest of Algeria. The small French contingent, holed up in a fortification at Mazagran, near the port city of Mostaganem, withstood several days of assault by `Abd al-Qādir 's troops. Unaware that the French defenders were running short of gunpowder, Abd al-Qādir's troops withdrew after several days of ineffectual activity.

While the standoff was a relatively minor affair, the French press touted the event as a great success. Captain Lelièvre was rewarded for his success, and a medal was struck commemorating the action. The battle of Mazagran became the anniversary of the Battalions of Light Infantry of Africa, a French penal military unit.