The Battle of Bir Tabraz was fought in December 1911 during the Italo-Turkish War between the Kingdom of Italy and Senussi forces in a place near Tripoli in modern Libya, the Senussi successfully forced to Italians to withdraw.
Battle Bir Tabraz was one of the most important positions the Senussi had near Tripoli after the Battle of Ain Zara happened on December 4. Bir Tabraz's position was garrisoned by 200-300, according to Italian reports; this alarmed the Italians alongside other Senussi gathering positions, which harassed the Italian forces resisting them.Kalifa Tillisi, A Dictionary for Italian Colonial Battles on the Libyan Soil 1911–31, 1972. p. 158 Charles Stephenson, p. 125 An expedition was launched led by General Fara with a force of 2,780Muḥammad Imḥammad Ṭuwayr, The history of liberation movements from colonialism in the world during the modern era: in the Arab world-Africa-Asia-Europe and the Americas, p. 49 Kalifa Tillisi, p. 158 or 1,500 menCharles Stephenson, p. 125 at 2-2:30 a.m. on December 19 and didn't reach that position until 9:00 a.m. after a long floundering on the way.Charles Stephenson, p. 125Kalifa Tillisi, p. 158
It wasn't until they marched to meet the Senussi that they were attacked by them, and according to Italian reports, the Senussis focused on the right and left wings of the army. Though the Senussi forces weren't equivalent to the Italians, they went from a defensive to an aggressive stance and almost cut off the escape route of the Italians and communication lines to Ain Zara, which forced the Italians to avoid a battle with unwanted results.Kalifa Tillisi, p. 158Charles Stephenson, p. 126
The Italians attempted to march to some heights, but the Senussi prevented them and forced them to engage and attack from all sides. This situation made it impossible for the enemy to retreat back to Ain Zara due to the success of the Senussi. Panic struck the camp, fearing they would lose their supplies and their retreat route. The Italians, however, managed to retreat during the night. However, they kept facing the Senussi, which forced them to ask for reinforcements to cover their retreat which did not arrive.Kalifa Tillisi, p. 158-9Charles Stephenson, p. 126
The Italians retreated at 7:25 a.m. the next day, the battle had lasted for the entire day.Kalifa Tillisi, p. 159 The Italians lost around 150 killed and 250 woundedMustafa Hamed Rahoma, Arab-Islamic solidarity with the Libyan resistance against the Italian invasion - 1911-1931 AD, p. 147 Muḥammad Imḥammad Ṭuwayr, p. 49 or 11 killed and 91 wounded,Charles Stephenson, p. 126 while the Senussi lost 11 deaths and 40 wounded.Mustafa Hamed Rahoma, p. 147Muḥammad Imḥammad Ṭuwayr, p. 49Charles Stephenson, p. 127
See also Battle of Gasr Bu Hadi Battle of Safsaf Battle of Al-Rahiba Battle of Wadi Marsit Battle of Bir Bilal First Battle of Sidi Abu Arqub
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