The Campaign of Tlemcen was a military operation launched by the Hammadids to retake Tlemcen and western Algeria that was previously conquered by the Almoravids.
Background
Following the death of Mohammed El Messufit ibn Tinamer, the Almoravid governor of Tlemcen, he was succeeded by his brother, Tashfin ibn Tinamer Upon ascending, Tashfin ibn Tinamer launched an attack on the Hammadid city of Achir, sacking it. This action angered Hammadid sultan Al Mansur. He discovered that the Banu Wamnu tribe, with whom he had forged an alliance, had aided the Almoravids in the attack. Seeking revenge, Al-Mansur killed his own wife, who happened to be the sister of Makhoukh, the leader of the Banu Wamnu tribe.[1][2]
Campaign
In 1102, Al-Mansur chose to march on Tlemcen with assistance from Arab tribes such as the Zoghba, Riah, and El-Athbedj, as well as a Zenata contingent. They successfully captured the city, and despite this victory, Al-Mansur decided to spare Tashfin's life and let him live, and forces the Almoravids to retreat to Morocco[1][3][4][5][6]
Aftermath
After the battle, Al-Mansur returned to Béjaia and suppressed some rebels before passing away in 1105.[4] His son Abd al-Aziz, upon succeeding him, decided to renew relations with the Banu Wamnu tribe. Additionally, he married Makhoukh's second daughter.[1]