One of the last major battles of the Ikhwan revolt, marking the collapse of organized Ikhwan resistance to Ibn Saud's authority.
Key Facts
- Year of battle
- 1929
- Conflict
- Ikhwan revolt against Ibn Saud
- Attack type
- Surprise night attack on Ikhwan positions
- Prior defeat
- Battle of Sabilla, March 29, 1929
- Ikhwan surrender
- January 1930, to British forces
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Ikhwan, a militant Wahhabi force, revolted against Ibn Saud's authority. After suffering a massive defeat at the Battle of Sabilla in March 1929 and another at the Battle of Jabal Shammar in August, their strength was severely diminished, leaving them vulnerable to further military action.
At Hafr al-Batin, forces loyal to Ibn Saud launched a surprise night attack against the weakened Ikhwan positions. The engagement was one of the final significant military confrontations of the revolt, exploiting the Ikhwan's already-depleted state following their prior defeats.
Following the battle, the Ikhwan attempted a raid on Awazim but could mount no effective resistance. By January 1930, the remaining Ikhwan leaders surrendered to British forces, effectively ending the revolt and consolidating Ibn Saud's authority over the Arabian Peninsula.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent