 Now without support in hostile territory, General José Marina Vega, military commander of Melilla, asked Madrid for reinforcements to protect the mines, but none were sent.On , a new attack occurred and six Spanish railway workers were killed by tribesmen, prompting a retaliatory offensive ordered by Marina Vega during which several positions near Melilla were occupied.As a result of these deaths, Prime Minister Antonio Maura increased the Spanish garrison at Melilla from 5,000 men to 22,000 in preparation for an offensive.