Autonomous Zone of Algiers
| Autonomous Zone of Algiers (ZAA) | |
|---|---|
The Casbah of Algiers — “the urban maquis”; the Casbah, favourable to complete clandestinity for FLN leaders, was the headquarters of the ZAA general staff. | |
| Active | 1956–1962 |
| Country | Algeria |
| Allegiance | FLN |
| Branch | ALN |
| Role | Urban guerrilla; subversion; sabotage and bomb attacks |
| Size | 5,000 (approx.) |
| Engagements | Battle of Algiers; struggle against the OAS; 1962 summer crisis |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Abane Ramdane · Krim Belkacem · Larbi Ben M'hidi · Yacef Saâdi · Haffaf Arezki · Ali la Pointe |
The Autonomous Zone of Algiers (in French: Zone autonome d'Alger, ZAA) was the FLN’s organisational structure for the capital during the Algerian War (1954–1962). Created following the Soummam Congress of 20 August 1956, the ZAA covered the city of Algiers specifically; other territorial divisions were organised as six numbered “wilayas”. Shortly before the eight-day general strike of January 1957 during the Battle of Algiers, the ZAA was organised into three territorial regions and had distinct political, military and financial components.