The
Zaian (or
Zayan)
War was fought between France and the
Zaian confederation of
Berber tribes in
Morocco between 1914 and 1921. Morocco had become a French protectorate in 1912, and
Resident-General Louis-Hubert Lyautey sought to extend French influence eastwards through the
Middle Atlas mountains towards
French Algeria. This was opposed by the Zaians, led by
Mouha ou Hammou Zayani. The war began well for the French, who quickly took the key towns of
Taza and
Khénifra. Despite the loss of their base at Khénifra, the Zaians inflicted heavy losses on the French, who responded by establishing
groupes mobiles,
combined arms formations that mixed regular and irregular infantry, cavalry and artillery into a single force.