Zirid campaign in Illyria

The Zirid Campaign in Illyria was a series of naval raids conducted by the Zirid dynasty, alongside the Kalbid Emirate of Sicily, against Byzantine territories in the eastern Adriatic Sea (Illyria), Greece, and Thrace, between 1026 and 1035.

Context
The campaign emerged from a power struggle in the region. The Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Basil II, planned a military expedition against the Kalbids in Sicily. Fearing this attack, the Kalbid ruler, al-Akhal, sought assistance from the Zirid Emir, Al-Muizz ibn Badis.

Course of the Campaign

 * 1026: A Zirid fleet sent to reinforce Sicily was destroyed by a storm. However, the death of Basil II and the subsequent hesitation of the Byzantine general Orestes stalled the Byzantine offensive, allowing the Muslims to maintain control in Sicily.
 * 1026-1035: Taking advantage of the weakened Byzantine presence, the Zirids and Kalbids launched a series of raids across the Adriatic, targeting Illyria, Greece, and Thrace, including some Greek islands.

Response
1034: The Italian city-state of Pisa, likely with Genoese support, launched a counterattack, raiding and capturing the Zirid port city of Annaba in Algeria.

Significance
The Zirid campaign, though ultimately limited in scope, highlighted the vulnerability of Byzantine holdings in the face of resurgent Muslim naval power in the central Mediterranean. It also marked the growing involvement of Italian maritime republics like Pisa and Genoa in regional conflicts.