What happened at the Battle of Annual in 1921?

The Battle of Annual, which took place on July 22, 1921, was a decisive engagement during the Rif War that resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Spanish military.1

Under the leadership of Abd el-Krim, Rifian fighters routed the poorly organized and ill-equipped Spanish conscript army commanded by Gen. Manuel Fernández Silvestre. The engagement forced the Spanish into an epic retreat from their encampment at Annoual.1

The consequences of the battle were significant:
* Casualties: Between 8,000 and 10,000 Spanish troops were killed.1
* Losses: Spain lost all territory in the eastern part of its protectorate that it had occupied since 1909, and a large quantity of weaponry was abandoned.1
* Captives: More than 300 Spanish prisoners were captured.1

This victory catapulted Abd el-Krim onto the international stage, establishing him as a prominent figure of resistance against European colonialism.1