Capture of Mers-el-Kébir (1505)

BelligerentsKingdom of SpainKingdom of TlemcenCommanders and leadersRamón de Cardona
Diego FernándezAbu Abdallah VStrength 7,000 soldiers
170 sailing vessels 1,500 soldiers
30 horsemenCasualties and losses Unknown Unknown

The Capture of Mers-el-Kébir on September 13, 1505 was the first campaign carried out by the Spanish Empire in its war against the ZayyanidKingdom of Tlemcen (in modern Algeria). Mers-el-Kébir (Spanish: Mazalquivir) was a roadstead open to the southwest winds, and a refuge for corsairs. The port was protected by a strong and well-armed castle, and it had already been unsuccessfully attacked by Portuguese troops in 1496 and 1501.