Siege of Melilla (1774–1775)

The Siege of Melilla (1774–1775) was a military conflict between Spain and Morocco. It occurred after Sultan Muhammad III of Morocco, believing the Spanish garrison at Melilla to be weak and hoping to expand Moroccan territory, laid siege to the city in December 1774.

Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, was defended by a relatively small garrison. The Moroccan forces, significantly larger in number, aimed to starve the Spanish into surrender by cutting off supplies. The siege involved intense bombardment of the city walls and attempts to breach the defenses.

Despite being outnumbered, the Spanish defenders, led by the Governor of Melilla, Juan Sherlock, were able to withstand the siege. Spanish naval reinforcements periodically managed to break through the Moroccan blockade, bringing essential supplies and additional troops. The city’s fortifications also proved resilient.

After several months of intense fighting and heavy losses on both sides, Sultan Muhammad III, facing logistical difficulties and recognizing the futility of continuing the siege, agreed to a ceasefire. The siege was lifted in March 1775.

The Siege of Melilla (1774–1775) ended in a Spanish victory, reinforcing Spanish control over Melilla. The siege also served as a significant event in the relations between Spain and Morocco, highlighting the ongoing tensions over Spanish enclaves in North Africa. While the siege failed to dislodge the Spanish, it solidified Melilla's importance as a strategic Spanish outpost.