Operation Torch was a Allied invasion of Vichy French North Africa during World War 2 with the goal of gaining control of the region from Morocco to Tunisia in order to trap German and Italian forces. In November 1942, over 125,000 British and American troops landed in Morocco and Algeria at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers in ships and facing resistance from Vichy French forces who controlled the territory. After initial fighting and negotiations that led to local French leaders agreeing to an ceasefire, the Allies gained control of North Africa which allowed them to launch later attacks against Axis forces in Europe.