 Aside from the capital city of Sevilla, the southern autonomous community of Andalucía (Andalusia) was primarily a Republican stronghold during the war.Málaga, a "Republican" city on the southern coast of Andalucia, was soon targeted by the Nationalist forces.On January 17, 1937, Nationalist forces led by General Queipo de Llano were sent to seize Granada, Marbella, Ronda and other surrounding areas.