Spanish Moriscos formed the elite core of Morocco’s Timbuktu army

Evidence

Although Jaudar’s small contingent of cavalry for the expedition to Timbuktu was Moroccan, the core of his little army of 5,000–6,000 men were Moriscos and other soldiers of European origin, among whom the corps d’ ´elite were specialist Morisco troops trained in the use of the harquebus. (The words of command in this expedition across the Sahara to the bend of the Niger were given in Spanish.) — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1601 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Morisco refugees formed the elite core of Morocco’s 1591 Saharan conquest — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1601; Expelled Moriscos turned to piracy and arms dealing in Morocco; Morocco’s Timbuktu expedition quietly exiled its troublesome Spanish refugee soldiers (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Morisco refugees formed the elite core of Morocco’s 1591 Saharan conquest #expands (0.95) — L. P. Harvey, Muslims in Spain, 1500 to 1614, 1601
• Expelled Moriscos turned to piracy and arms dealing in Morocco #complicates (0.72)