Bombardment of Algiers (1783)

Bombardment of Algiers (1783)
Part of the Spanish-Algerian war (1775-1785)
Map of Algiers' Bombardment of 1783 by Antonio Barceló.
Date 4–8 August 1783 Location Algiers Result Spanish failure[1][2][3]
Belligerents
Spain	Regency of Algiers
Commanders and leaders
Antonio Barceló	Mohammed V
Strength
4 ships of line, 4 frigates, 68 other ships[4]	2 demi-galleys, 2 xebecs, 6 gunboats, 1 felucca[1]
Casualties and losses
26 dead 1500 lb gunpowder stolen[1]	1 gunboat[1] 562 buildings destroyed or damaged

The Bombardment of Algiers in August 1783 was a failed attempt by Spain to put an end to Algerine privateering against Spanish shipping. A Spanish fleet of 70, sailing under Rear Admiral Antonio Barceló, bombarded the city eight times between August 4–8 but inflicted only minor damages to the Algerine military. Both Spaniards and Algerines fought poorly, but Barceló, blaming unfavorable weather conditions, gave the order to withdraw. His expedition was judged a failure at the Spanish court, being described as a "festival of fireworks too costly and long for how little it entertained the Moors and how it was used by whomever paid for it".^[5]