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The Bizerte Crisis 1961 French soldiers on the streets of Bizerte
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The Bizerte Crisis 1961 French soldiers on the streets of Bizerte
The Bizerte Crisis 1961
French soldiers on the streets of Bizerte. July 21st 1961
The crisis arose after Tunisian forces surrounded and blockaded the French naval base at Bizerte in hopes of forcing France to abandon its last holdings in the country. After Tunisia warned France against any violations of Tunisian airspace, the French sent a helicopter up Tunisian troops responded by firing warning shots. In response to the blockade, 800 French paratroopers were sent in. As the paratroopers landed on the airfield, Tunisian troops sprayed them with machine gun fire. The French responded with air strikes and artillery barrages on the Tunisian roadblocks, destroying them. French tanks and armoured cars then rolled into Tunisian territory, and fired into the town of Menzel-Bourguiba, killing 27 soldiers and civilians.
The following day, the French launched a full-scale invasion of the town of Bizerte. Tanks and paratroopers penetrated into the city from the south, while marines stormed the harbour from landing craft. Tunisian soldiers, paramilitaries and hastily organised civilian volunteers engaged the French in heavy street fighting, but were overwhelmed by vastly superior French forces. The French overran the town on July 23, 1961
Terry Fincher
Daily Herald
Mirrorpix
Bizerte
Tunisia
1961 1285
Media ID 21827750
© Mirrorpix
1961 Africa France French Rifle Sixties Tunisia Weapons Sten Gun Street Fighting War And Conflict
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The Bizerte Crisis 1961 - A Glimpse into the Intensity of Conflict
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This powerful print captures a pivotal moment during the Bizerte Crisis of 1961, revealing the chaotic streets of Bizerte filled with French soldiers. The crisis erupted when Tunisian forces blockaded the French naval base in an attempt to reclaim their country from foreign control. Tensions escalated rapidly as warnings were exchanged and shots fired. In response to the blockade, 800 French paratroopers descended upon Tunisian territory, only to be met with fierce resistance. As they landed on the airfield, machine gun fire rained down upon them from Tunisian troops. Unyielding, France retaliated with devastating airstrikes and artillery barrages that shattered roadblocks and claimed lives. The following day witnessed a full-scale invasion of Bizerte itself. Tanks rolled through its streets while marines stormed its harbor from landing craft. Tunisian soldiers fought valiantly alongside paramilitaries and civilian volunteers but were ultimately overwhelmed by superior French forces. Terry Fincher's photograph immortalizes this harrowing chapter in history, capturing both the destruction wrought upon Menzel-Bourguiba and the relentless determination displayed by those caught in this violent struggle for power. As we gaze at this image today, let us remember not only the ferocity of conflict but also reflect on our collective responsibility to pursue peaceful resolutions amidst such turmoil.
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