A Senussi mujahideen force defeated an Italian relief column at Abu Urqub Mountain in 1915, capturing approximately 200 Italian prisoners.
Key Facts
- Date
- May 13, 1915
- Italian prisoners captured
- ~200 soldiers
- Battle site elevation
- 1,000 feet feet
- Mujahideen commander
- Masoud Al-Shweik
- Italian departure point
- Azizia region
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Italian forces in Tarhuna, specifically in the Wadi Al-Kharrouba region, were besieged by Senussi fighters. A battalion from the Azizia region was dispatched to break the siege, and when that effort proved insufficient, a smaller follow-up force was also sent from Azizia to rescue the encircled troops.
On May 13, 1915, the Italian relief force engaged Senussi mujahideen led by Masoud Al-Shweik on Abu Urqub Mountain, approximately 1,000 feet in elevation. The mujahideen repelled the Italian column decisively, annihilating the majority of the force and capturing around 200 Italian soldiers.
Following the battle, the captured Italian soldiers were taken into captivity by the mujahideen. The defeat demonstrated the resilience of Senussi resistance and left the besieged Italian garrison in Tarhuna without relief, marking a clear tactical and morale victory for the Senussi forces.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Masoud Al-Shweik.