Battle of Guelta Zemmur (1981) explained

Conflict:Battle of Guelta Zemmour
Partof:the Western Sahara War
Date:13–29 October 1981
Place:Guelta Zemmur, Western Sahara
Result:Polisario victory
Combatant1: Morocco
Combatant2: POLISARIO
Casualties1:200 killed, 200 captured[1] [2]
3 aircraft
Casualties2:Unknown

The battle of Gueltat Zemmur occurred between 13 and 29 October 1981 when Polisario Front attacked the very small Moroccan garrison at Guelta Zemmur in Western Sahara. Using heavy military equipment including tanks and surface-to-air missiles, the Polisario Front defeated the Moroccan garrison forces entrenched around the town. Three Moroccan planes were shot down, including a C-130 Hercules. Moroccan armed forces then aggressively counterattacked and drove the Polisario out of the town, causing significant casualties in the Polisario side.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: James M.. Markham. 400-mile wall changing war in Western Sahara . 15 November 1981 . The New York Times.
  2. News: Roland. Delcour. La visite de M. Cheysson à Rabat : Hassan II confirme sa volonté de voir organiser rapidement un référendum au Sahara occidental. Le Monde. 30 October 1981. fr.
  3. Book: Dean, David J. . Morocco-Polisario war: a case study of a modern low-intensity conflict. The Air Force Role in Low-Intensity Conflict. October 1986. Air University Press. Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. 1-58566-014-0. 47.