Algiers expedition (1516)

The Algiers expedition of 1516 was an unsuccessful military campaign by the Spanish Empire and the Sheikh of Ténès to overthrow the newly formed Sultanate of Algiers.

Algiers expedition (1516)
DateSeptember/October 1516
Location
Result Algerian victory
Belligerents
Sultanate of Algiers
Kingdom of Kuku
Spanish Empire
Sheikh of Ténès
Commanders and leaders
Oruç Reis
Sidi Ahmed
Hayreddin Barbarossa
Diego de Vera
Sheikh of Ténès
Units involved
1,500 men 10,000 or 15,000 men under Diego de Vera
10,000 Moors under the Sheikh of Ténès
Total: 20-25,000 men
Casualties and losses
Very few 3,000 killed or wounded
400 captured
8,000 men lost in total

The previous sovereign of Algiers had been executed by Oruç Barbarossa, who took power in Algiers. The Spanish, along with the Sheikh of Ténès, wanted to drive out Barbarossa and replace him with the son of the previous prince. The expedition included 10,000 or 15,000 men along with 10,000 Moors from Ténès. Barbarossa's forces included only 1,500 men.

In 1516, the invading fleet set sail for Algiers. However, a storm wrecked the fleet while in transit. When the survivors reached Algiers, they were easily routed by Barbarossa's forces.

The Spaniards suffered casualties of 3,000 killed or wounded and 400 captured. In total 8,000 men were lost. The Algerian forces had few casualties.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.