Ninety-nine years ago today, on May 26, 1926 (April 15, 1926), the War of the Rif ended. Battlefield of the Battle of Vazan On May 26, in Morocco, the rebel leader Abd-el-Krim surrendered. He defeated Spanish forces in the north and became a hero of the Rif tribe, but when he attacked French Morocco, he was greedy for more than he could chew. When France and Spain united against him, his forces could not resist the advanced weaponry of France and Spain. Since last Saturday, the rebels have been besieged in Taqqvist. Abd-el-Krim had boasted that the place was indestructible. However, he had no more than 30,000 soldiers under his command, while his opponents were French Marshal Henri-Philippe Pétain and 160,000 soldiers backed by powerful artillery. The rebels were forced to surrender due to the heavy siege. Abd-el-Krim was a thorn in the side of the European powers in Morocco. France now plans to resume what they call a policy of pacification. France has controlled Morocco since 1912, becoming a protectorate of Morocco and recognized by the rest of Europe. French and Spanish troops have police in the area.