In 1508, the Spanish general, Pedro Navarro, captured the islet of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera while combating barbary corsairs.

Gomera possessed a strategic location and its capture posed a threat to the Badis Berbers.

In December 22, 1522, the Wattasid Moroccans recovered the islet and put the entire garrison to sword, including their governor, Juan de Villalobos.

[2][3] In 1525, the Marquis of Mondejar, Luis Hurtado de Mendoza, obtained permission from Charles V to recover the islet, to which he agreed.

As the Spanish troops were landing, the Moroccans attacked them with vigor, putting them on route.