Battle of Siranaya

Battle of Siranaya
DateMarch 1904
Location
Siranaya, Midsayap, Cotabato
Result American victory
Belligerents
Moro  United States
Commanders and leaders
Datu Ali Leonard Wood
Strength
Several thousand of Moro warriors 5 companies
artillery battery

The Battle of Siranaya was fought between the Philippines and the United States during the Philippine–American War. Leonard Wood led a force against Datu Ali in the Cotabato Valley in retaliation for refusing to obey an antislavery law.[1]: 110  Wood used a force of five companies and an artillery battery with a 3.2 inch piece to attack Ali's cotta and several thousand Moros.[1]: 110–111  The cotta surrendered after two days of American shelling but not before Ali and most of his men fled.[1]: 112 

The Moros left behind 21 Spanish cannons and 72 lantakas.[1]: 112  Secretary of War William Taft criticized Wood afterwards for the excessive use of force and brutality.[1]: 112 

  1. ^ a b c d e Arnold, J.R., 2011, The Moro War, New York: Bloomsbury Press, ISBN 9781608190249