Battle of Kassala facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kassala
Part of the Mahdist War
General Oreste Baratieri
Date 17 July 1894 Location Kassala, Mahdist Sudan Result Colonial Italian victory Italians seize Kassala
Belligerents
Kingdom of Italy	Mahdist Sudan
Commanders and leaders
Oreste Baratieri Captain Francesco Carchidio Malvolti   †	Mussaed Gaidum (Emir of Kassala)
Strength
Italian troops: 56 Italian officers 41 Italian NCOs 2,526 native soldiers	Mahdi troops: 2,500 Mahdist infantry 600 Baqqara cavalry
Casualties and losses
28 killed 41 wounded	1,400 dead & wounded hundreds were killed and drowned

The Battle of Kassala was a fight that happened on July 17, 1894. It was between Italian colonial soldiers and forces from the Mahdist State in Sudan. The battle took place in a town called Kassala. The Italian forces won this important battle.

Why the Battle Happened

The Italian governor, Oreste Baratieri, wanted to take control of Kassala. He hoped this would stop attacks from the Mahdist forces on Eritrea, which was an Italian colony.

In July 1894, Governor Baratieri decided it was the right time to act. The Atbarah River was starting to rise, which made it harder for enemies to move around. He led his army towards Kassala. His army included about 56 Italian officers, 41 non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and around 2,510 local soldiers.

The Battle of Kassala

The Italian soldiers quickly attacked the Mahdist defenses. The Mahdist fighters had built earthworks, which are like small forts made of dirt. A very fierce battle began.

The Mahdist forces fought bravely. But the Italian soldiers eventually pushed them out of their positions. Many Mahdist fighters were killed or wounded during this part of the battle.

As the Mahdist forces tried to escape, the Italian soldiers chased them. Many Mahdist fighters ran towards the Atbarah River. They hoped to cross the river and get away. However, many of them drowned in the river while trying to escape.

What Happened After the Battle

After the battle, the Italians had won. They captured two flags and several cannons from the Mahdist forces. The Italian soldiers also freed many people who had been captured by the Mahdists. These included some European men and about a hundred soldiers from the old Egyptian army. They also freed people from local tribes.

On July 23, Governor Oreste Baratieri left Kassala. He left behind a group of about a thousand soldiers and two cannons to protect the town. This group was led by Colonel Turitto.

Three years later, in 1897, the Italians gave Kassala back to the British. They did this so that other countries would officially recognize their colony of Eritrea. The Italian soldiers who were in Kassala then returned to Eritrea.

Sources