FLN fighters attacked villagers in the Melouza area, many of whom were associated with Messali Hadj’s rival Mouvement national algérien (MNA). The killings formed part of violent competition between nationalist movements and must be recorded as a massacre of civilians, not hidden by a single unified narrative of liberation. Estimates of those killed differ; the event reveals the internal conflicts and coercion within the struggle as well as French colonial efforts to exploit them.
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Eventonan Relashoná
Which civilians were targeted at Melouza in May 1957?
Archival and historical records date the attack at Melouza to 28 May 1957 and identify the conflict with MNA supporters.
The Melouza massacre was carried out by French forces against FLN fighters.
FLN forces attacked villagers associated with the MNA; the event is included to document intra-nationalist violence.