The Army of Africa advanced north from its base in Seville and was essential in the Nationalist conquest of Merida and Badajoz. During the massacre of Badajoz, 2,000 people were killed
Most Republican militiamen in the region were inexperienced and unequipped compared to the Army of Africa. The town of Talavara de la Reina fell to the Nationalists in a single day even though there were thousands of Republican militiamen defending it
