In 1689 the siege of Larache, was initiated by the huge army under Moulay Ismail of Morocco attacking the Spaniards, who ruled the city for nearly 80 years. After three months of siege, the defenders were forced to capitulate. Several centuries later, in 1911 the city was again controlled by the Spanish during the Protectorate. It is the independence of Morocco in 1956 that freed Larache from foreign influence.