A warm and heartfelt greeting to all the friends in this esteemed group.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ridouan from Morocco, specifically from the beautiful city of Safi, located on the Atlantic coast. Safi is geographically the closest African city to the United States. In this article, I’ll share with you a significant historical event that links my city to the United States, marking one of the most memorable moments in Safi's ancient history, which spans thousands of years.

Between November 8th and 16th, 1942, during the peak of World War II, the United States carried out a major amphibious landing operation known as "Operation Torch." This operation involved 107,000 soldiers and was conducted in three Moroccan cities: Safi, Casablanca, and Kenitra, as well as two Algerian cities: Algiers and Oran.

The main objective of the operation was to take control of Morocco and Algeria, then under the rule of the Vichy government aligned with Nazi Germany. This control allowed American forces to move eastward toward Tunisia, where they joined British forces advancing from Libya under General Montgomery's command, encircling German and Italian forces in North Africa. This operation marked a crucial turning point in the war, giving the Allies a strategic base to launch their subsequent campaign into Italy.

In Safi, specifically, the landing was codenamed "Blackstone" as part of Operation Torch. The city saw the arrival of approximately 6,500 American soldiers from the 47th Infantry Division, led by General Ernest J. Harmon. The primary goal was to secure Safi's port and ensure the region was safe for supporting subsequent operations along Morocco's Atlantic coast, as well as the Allied advance in North Africa.

As for Safi's residents, while there was some initial hesitation about the presence of American forces, the soldiers demonstrated kindness and offered the locals simple gifts like candy and chocolate. This friendly interaction fostered a mutual sense of warmth and respect throughout their stay in the city.

The American landing in Safi wasn’t just another event; it left a lasting imprint on the city’s memory. Many locals still use the year of the landing as a reference point for historical events, saying things like "I was born in the year of the landing" or "This happened before or after the landing."

In conclusion, I invite my American friends to visit Safi, one of Morocco’s oldest and most beautiful cities. It boasts a rich history dating back to Phoenician and Roman times and is renowned for its traditional pottery, a symbol of its cultural and artistic heritage. Safi is also a major fishing hub, especially for sardines.

The city is home to fascinating historical landmarks such as the Sea Castle, Dar Sultan, the Portuguese Cathedral, and the Grand Mosque, in addition to its breathtaking beaches and world-class waves that attract surfers from all over the globe.

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