Who fought against Abd el-Krim and the Rif fighters?

Abd el-Krim and his Rif fighters primarily fought against the colonial forces of Spain and France during the Rif War (1921–1926).12

• Spain: The conflict began as a struggle between indigenous Rifian forces and Spanish colonial troops. Following a major defeat at Annoual in 1921, Spain struggled with military leadership and public opposition to the war, eventually leading to a stalemate.13
• France: In 1925, Abd el-Krim expanded his operations into the French protectorate to secure supplies, which brought his forces into direct conflict with the French military.14
• Joint Alliance: The success of the Rifian fighters against both nations prompted France and Spain to form a military alliance in 1925. Under the leadership of figures such as Philippe Pétain, the two powers launched a coordinated offensive using superior manpower and military technology, which ultimately overwhelmed the Rifian resistance and led to Abd el-Krim’s surrender in 1926.14