ORDER OF BATTLE // February 9, 1860
Battle of Melilla
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 16,200 estimated
Morocco
15,000
Medium-confidence figure
Spain
1,200
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Battle of Melilla in February 1860 represented a significant setback for Spanish forces during the Hispano-Moroccan War. A garrison of approximately 1,200 Spanish troops suffered around 200 casualties against a Riffian force estimated at 15,000, with the engagement described as a fiasco for the Spanish side. The defeat underscored the difficulty Spain faced in defending its enclave at Melilla against determined Riffian fighters operating on familiar ground outside the city walls.
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