Ambush of Oued Zeggar

On May 11, 1957, a unit of the National Liberation Army (ALN) took up positions along the road stretching from a bridge over the Oued Zeggar to the town of Zitouna. They maintained their positions along the bends of the valley from 2 a.m. until 4 p.m. Later in the day, they spotted a small French military convoy moving along the river.[1][2]

The French forces comprised over 100 soldiers accompanied by 7 tanks[1] and 17 military trucks carrying ammunition and valuable equipment. In contrast, the ALN consisted of approximately 600[3][2] or 300 fighters.[1]

The military convoy fell into the ambush set by the detachment, and after its destruction, they seized a substantial amount of ammunition and equipment, including heavy machine guns.[1][2][3] In the battle, approximately 100[1] or 90[2][3] French soldiers were killed, with 1[1] or 12[2][3] captured, with either no casualties[1][2] or 3[3] on the ALN side.

In retaliation, the French forces burned down the village, slaughtered civilians and their livestock, and further declared Ain Kechra a forbidden area.[1][2]