On a single day in March, armed groups targeted the Algerian villages of Oued El-Had and Mezouara, resulting in the deaths of 116 individuals. In Oued El-Had, 40 villagers lost their lives, while in Mezouara, 76 succumbed to the violence. These massacres were part of a larger wave of brutality that characterized the Algerian Civil War, which began in the late 1980s following political unrest and a struggle between government forces and various Islamist factions. The violence disproportionately affected rural communities, where many families were caught in the conflict's crossfire.

The attacks were marked by overwhelming brutality, often involving mass executions, and were aimed at instilling fear within local populations. By targeting civilian populations, the armed groups not only sought to retaliate against government forces but also aimed to undermine public support for the state. This tactic of terrorizing civilian communities was a significant aspect of the ongoing conflict, reflecting the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Algeria. The situation was exacerbated by the government's heavy-handed military response, leading to a cycle of violence that consumed many innocent lives.

Responses to the massacres included increased military action by the Algerian government and international condemnation from various human rights organizations. The events sounded alarm bells about the level of violence gripping the nation and led to calls for intervention and support for the civilian population. The scale of the atrocities raised concerns about the failure to protect civilians amidst the ongoing conflict, remaining relevant in discussions regarding human rights and the responsibilities of governments to safeguard their citizens.