 Silvestre had spread out his troops out in 144 forts and "blocaos" from Sidi Dris on the Mediterranean across the Rift mountains to Annual and Tizi Azza and on to Melilla.A typical "blocao" held about dozen men while the larger forts had about 800 men.Silvestre, known for his boldness and impetuosity, had pushed his men too deep into the Rif mountains hoping to reach Alhucemas Bay without undertaking the necessary work to build a logistical support network capable of supplying his men out in the "blocaos" up in the Rif mountains.