The war began Process_start well for the French , who quickly took the key towns of Taza and Khénifra .

Despite the loss of their base at Khénifra , the Zaians inflicted heavy losses on the French , who responded by establishing `` groupes mobiles '' , combined arms formations that mixed regular and irregular infantry , cavalry and artillery into a single force .

The French resumed their offensive in the Khénifra area in 1920 , establishing a series of blockhouses to limit the Zaians ' freedom of movement .