However, when the transport planes with the paratroopers landed on the airfield, Tunisian troops engaged them with targeted machine gun fire.

In response, French jets supported by troops armed with 105 mm howitzers attacked the Tunisian roadblocks, destroying them completely.

French tanks and armoured cars then rolled into Tunisian territory, and fired into the town of Ferryville, killing 27 soldiers and civilians.

Tanks and paratroopers penetrated into the city from the south, while marines stormed the harbour from landing craft.

Initially the United Nations was unable to carry out any sort of substantial action against the French, which angered the Tunisian authorities.