During the Rif War, the Spanish colonial forces sought to assert dominance over the Berber populations in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. On July 22, 1921, the Spanish Army suffered a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Annual. A significant Spanish military buildup attempted to establish control over the region, but the stratagems employed by Berber leader Abd el-Krim and his irregular fighters proved overwhelming. The Spanish troops were lured into a trap within the rugged terrain, resulting in a bloody rout that cost thousands of soldiers their lives.

The Berber fighters, utilizing guerrilla tactics and a deep understanding of their environment, ambushed the Spanish, leading to an extended battle that decimated one of Spain's most prominent military divisions. The losses from this engagement, which numbered in the thousands, were compounded by inadequate support and logistical failures. The outcome sent shockwaves through Spain, igniting public outcry and leading to political repercussions, including the eventual resignation of Prime Minister Eduardo Dato.

The Battle of Annual marked a turning point in the Rif War, forcing Spain to reconsider its colonial strategies and underscoring the resilience of the Berber resistance. The defeat weakened Spain's hold over the region, leading to a prolonged conflict that would last several more years as hostilities escalated.