Tensions between Tunisia and France were rising in the early 1960s as Tunisia sought greater autonomy and the removal of colonial forces from its territory. The French had been in control of Bizerte since the colonial period, and as Tunisia gained independence in 1956, the presence of French troops remained a contentious issue. On July 19, 1961, Tunisian forces initiated a blockade of the French naval base at Bizerte, symbolizing a firm stand against the lingering colonial presence. This blockade was part of Tunisia's broader campaign to assert its sovereignty and fulfill its demand for the departure of French military forces from the region.

The blockade quickly drew attention on the international stage and heightened tensions between the two nations. The French government, determined to maintain its military foothold in the area, perceived the blockade as a direct challenge. On July 23, just four days later, the French launched a counter-operation to recapture the town, resulting in armed conflict involving airstrikes and ground assaults. The fighting was marked by rapid engagement and significant mobilization of French forces, invoking national pride and resistance among the Tunisian populace.

The clashes were characterized by a struggle for control over the town of Bizerte and symbolized the broader struggle of former colonies fighting against colonial remnants in their political landscapes. The military operation ended in favor of the French, but it garnered widespread criticism and condemnation from other nations and left a lasting bitterness between Tunisia and France.