The Ifri-El-balah Battle stands as a prominent military epic in the history of the Algerian Revolution, fought by the National Liberation Army (ALN) in the historical Wilaya I (Aurès) on January 13 and 14, 1956, at Mount Ahmar Khaddou in the Ghoufi region.The battle unfolded under the direct leadership of the martyr hero Mustapha Ben Boulaïd, shortly after his successful escape from Coudiat Prison in Constantine. It was triggered by a suffocating siege and a sweeping military search operation conducted by the French army following leaked intelligence regarding Ben Boulaïd's presence in the area for an inspection visit.On the morning of January 13, colonial forces launched heavy aerial and artillery bombardment, followed by a ground deployment of nearly 2,000 French soldiers. However, the Mujahideen—numbering around 280 fighters—confronted this overwhelming force through strategic positioning inside caves and rock crevices, skillfully luring the enemy into the valleys. Fierce clashes raged for several continuous hours until darkness fell, allowing the freedom fighters to execute a tactically adept withdrawal.The epic confrontation inflicted severe losses on the enemy, resulting in approximately 60 French soldiers killed and over 50 wounded, while dozens of National Liberation Army fighters fell as martyrs.
Award-Winning Artwork: Winner of the First Prize at Plastic Arts Competition, Batna, Algeria 2026
