Battle of Essien (1957)

The Battle of Essien, also known as the Battle of Isin, took place in October 1957, in the village of Essien, located south of the Libyan town of Ghat. This significant engagement emerged from the complex dynamics of the Algerian War of Independence against French colonial rule.

Background
During the French colonial empires last days, Algerians had launched a rebellion against the French, with the means of seeking independence. The French had an unsteady relationship with not just the Algerian resistance, but as well as the neighbouring countries that bordered French Algeria.

Franco-Libyan relations were quite unsteady. In November 1954, Bin Halim had assisted a delivery of supplies from Egypt to the Algerian resistance. Fezzan had then became the main supply route for the Algerian resistance.

The battle
An ambush was orchestrated by Algerian Mujahideen on a French supply convoy near the Algeria–Libya border. Following this incident, the Mujahideen retreated into Libyan territory, prompting the French occupation army to pursue them across the border. The escalation of hostilities led to the bombing of the village of Issin by French forces on October 3, 1957, further exacerbating tensions between Algeria, Libya, and France.

The height of the conflict came on October 4, 1957, as the Libyan army intervened against the French forces, marking the commencement of the Battle of Essien. The French deployed a column consisting of 16 cars and 80 soldiers. Algerian and Libyan revolutionaries intercepted the attack, engaging in fierce resistance against the invading forces. Despite being outnumbered, the Algerian and Libyan fighters were able to defend their position, inflicting casualties on the French forces.

The town was later bombed several times by the French. However, the Libyan and Algerian Mujahideen were able to force the French to withdraw from the region.

Reactions
The French attack was condemned by the Libyan kingdom, and was also condemned by The United Nations Commission of Inquiry, saying that the attack on Libyan soil is unjust.

Legacy
The anniversary of the battle is celebrated every year by Algerian and Libyan diplomats, ambassadors, and other figures. The battle is remembered every year as a reminder of how they "fought against the common enemy", further solidifying the Algerian–Libyan relations.

Franco-Libyan relations remained very unsteady, and did not begin to improve whatsoever up until Algeria gained its Independence in 1962.