It wasn't long for the Italian force, which was marching towards Faydiya, to be attacked by the Libyans.

Both sides began exchanging fire, and the Italian leader, Major Pelli, ordered a retreat.

However, the Libyans surrounded the Italian force, destroying it alongside its leader, which contributed to its collapse.

The Italian leader then ordered withdrawing to artillery positions, but this didn't happen only after the death of Major Meliaci and his helper; the Italians were left leaderless and withdrew to Safsaf, where the battle was centered.

The Italian general Giulio Cesare Tassoni prepared a large force, but it was forced to stop during their march at night, and at dawn they found the area completely empty with no Senussi to be spotted.