On May 25, 1857, the town was the site of a battle during the French
Pacification of Algeria. French-aligned forces under Marshal
Jacques Louis Randon defeated
Kabyle defenders of the town as part of a campaign to curb Kabyle independence and bring them under the control of
French Algeria. Randon won the battle, but suffered 400 dead and 800 injured; Kabyle losses are unknown. The town was at the forefront of the struggle for Algerian independence that would result in the
Algerian War. Each village had its share of martyrs but what distinguishes this commune is that it gave more than five leaders to the North African Star pro-independence organization. Among these leaders are Radjef Belkacem, Messaoui Rabah, Imache Ali, Iffour Rabah and Si Djillani Mohand Said. All these officials are from Ait Oumalou who was part of Larba Nath Irathen at the time. Messaoui Rabah died during the Second World War in Paris. It is also the place of birth of Abane Ramdane. ==Notable residents==