The first significant French victory of the Great Syrian Revolt, opening the path to the capture of al-Suwayda on 24 September 1925.
Key Facts
- Date
- 17 September 1925
- Conflict
- Great Syrian Revolt (1925–1927)
- French commander
- General Maurice Gamelin
- French aerial bombardment
- Three hours after sunrise
- al-Suwayda captured
- 24 September 1925
- French withdrawal
- Two months after capture of al-Suwayda
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following rebel victories against French forces at al-Kafr and al-Mazraa during the early Great Syrian Revolt, a French advance guard under General Maurice Gamelin was dispatched to al-Musayfirah on 15 September 1925. French troops cleared the village of its inhabitants and established fortifications in preparation for an assault on al-Suwayda.
On 16–17 September 1925, Druze rebels launched an early morning attack against French fortified positions at al-Musayfirah. Though unable to significantly breach French lines, the rebels suffered heavy casualties after sunrise when French aircraft bombarded them continuously for three hours. The rebels eventually withdrew, with some captured before departure, and several local residents were also killed.
The French victory at al-Musayfirah was the first significant French success of the Great Syrian Revolt and enabled the French Army to advance on and capture al-Suwayda on 24 September 1925. However, French forces subsequently withdrew from al-Suwayda approximately two months later, citing inhospitable conditions.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Maurice Gamelin.
Side B
1 belligerent