French political vacuum encouraged the F.L.N.’s Souk-Ahras offensive

Evidence

The steep increase in this last figure was caused by the F.L.N.’s decision to launch an all-out offensive against the Line. The sector chosen was the so-called bec de canard, east of Souk-Ahras and not far from the scene of the Sakiet bombing in February. Its wooded hills provided ideal cover for katibas attempting to disperse once through the Line, and much of the previous barrier-crossing action had taken place in this area. Thus, also, the French forces were particularly well-prepared. But, apart from just military considerations, the F.L.N. were probably encouraged by the international uproar raised over Sakiet, as well as the accompanying political disarray in France—the Gaillard government having fallen two weeks previously, leaving the country in a vacuum. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 819 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Porous frontiers enabled FLN sanctuary and French political collapse.; Sakiet uproar and French political crisis encouraged the F.L.N.’s all-out line assault. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 819; Souk-Ahras ended the F.L.N.’s ability to breach the frontier barrier (+1 more)

Related

• Sakiet uproar and French political crisis encouraged the F.L.N.’s all-out line assault. (similarity 0.94)

Broader Connections

• Sakiet uproar and French political crisis encouraged the F.L.N.’s all-out line assault. #corroborates (0.80) — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 819