The Rif War

The Rif War began after a small insurrection led by Muhammad Ibn 'Abd El-Karim El-Khattabi’ in Feb 1920 turned into a widespread anti-spain movement.

Later in June, the Riffians were approached by Soviet military commander Leon Trotsky to help with their struggle against Spain, El-Karim accepted and in July the PPA entered Morocco.

At the Supreme war council the USSR, backed up by a letter written by the Rifian leader, would introduce a vote that saw the members get involved in the war, the United Kingdom, USSR, Italy and the US voted for intervention in the area with France electing not to vote. Rather then fight against the Allies Spain reluctantly withdrew from the Rif.