[3][4] The Emir then simulates that he is heading towards the Algerian Sahara in order to create a diversion in the French Army, and he then ricochets back through the Hodna Mountains towards Kabylia to join his khalifa named Ahmed bin Salem (1802-1846).

[6] Marshal Bugeaud then asked for a reinforcement of some companies of light infantry which had then arrived from France in Algiers in order to counter the imminent offensive of the Kabyles of the Khachna Massif in Mitidja under the instigation of Emir Abdelkader and his allies at marabouts and zawiyas in the Igawawen region.

[17] Ben Salem brought several chiefs devoted to his cause to pledge allegiance to Emir Abdelkader, and all of them painted and guaranteed that the invasion of the Mitidja was very easy by its eastern end through the Col des Beni Aïcha.

[18] Ben Salem then presented his stratagem based on the absence of any permanent military post on this side, certified that the column of the Oued Corso was only made up of sick and convalescents incapacitated to put up serious resistance to the Kabyle rebels.

[30][31] After the outcome of the battle of the Col des Beni Aïcha on 7 February 1846 and the victory of General Gentil against the Kabyle troops of Khalifa Ahmed bin Salem, the Emir Abdelkader then fled to find refuge in southern Algeria.