[2][3] The city of Tangier was a well-known departure point for Moroccan privateers, who captured or hindered Spanish merchants.

The bombardment was intended to stop these activities and, above all, to encourage a rebellion by the local population against the Sultan, who had been besieging Ceuta since September 25, 1790.

Moulay Yazid entrusted the defenses to Sidi Ali ben Ahmed and recruited the tribes there for a holy war, which he did.

[5] A light Spanish squadron was sent under the command of Lieutenant-General Javier Morales de los Ríos.

It reached Tangier Bay on August 23 and began bombarding the port on the 24th, from five in the morning until three in the afternoon.