Capture of Mers-el-Kébir (1505)

Capture of Mers-el-Kébir
Part of the Spanish-Algerian war (1503–1512)

The Zayyanid Kingdom around the time of the Spanish invasion
Date13 September 1505
Location
Result Spanish victory
Territorial
changes
Mers-el-Kébir captured by Spain
Belligerents
Kingdom of Spain Kingdom of Tlemcen
Commanders and leaders
Ramón de Cardona
Diego Fernández
Abu Abdallah V
Strength
7,000 soldiers
170 sailing vessels
1,500 soldiers
30 horsemen
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Capture of Mers-el-Kébir on 13 September 1505 was the first campaign carried out by the Spanish Empire in its war against the Zayyanid Kingdom 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.