The Republic of the Rif had been formally constituted on February 1, 1923, with Muhammad Abd el-Krim as head of state.

Having created an effective command and power structure, Abd el-Krim has defeated the Spanish many times and driven hem back to a few coastal outposts.

Wishing to create a stable state for the Berbers, Abd el-Krim has sent representatives to London and Paris to try to establish diplomatic relations with Europe, but the French are anxious about the growing strength of Abd el-Krim's young republic, which could in the future drive the French occupation completely from Morocco, given time to gather forces and weapons.

Abd el-Krim's rhetoric concentrates on the right for freedom for all people, a message not well received by the European colonial forces.

In May 1924, the French Army had established a line of posts north of the Oureghla River in disputed tribal territory.

On April 13, 1925 an estimated 8,000 Rifs attack this line and in two weeks 39 of 66 French posts have been stormed or abandoned.

The French accordingly intervene on the side of Spain, employing up to 300,000 well-trained and well-equipped troops from Metropolitan, North African, Senegalese and Foreign Legion units.

In late 1925, the French and Spanish governments create a joint task force to attack the territories of the new Republic of the Rif, employing massive bombing, some of which involves German-designed chemical weapons used by the Spanish army.

Lietenant General José Sanjuro, High Commissioner of Spain in Morocco l. In 1925 he participated in the disembarkation of Alhucemas, participates in the disembarkation of Spanish troops at Alhucemas, claiming the territory for Spain and naming the territory after himself, namely Villa Sanjurjo.

(Many locals still call the city "Villa" in addition to the official Al Hoceima.)

Colonel Francisco Franco, commander of the Spanish Foreign Legion from 1923, leads the first wave of troops ashore at Alhucemas in 1925 and begins attacking from the north.

This amphibious landing in the heartland of Abd el-Krim's tribe, combined with the French invasion from the south, heralds the beginning of the end for the Rif Republic.