The Battle of Pisagua was fought between Chilean and Peruvian / Bolivian forces on 2 November 1879 during the War of the Pacific and marked the start of the Tarapacá Campaign. After a naval bombardment against the Peruvian land defences Chilean forces landed at Playa Blanca close to Pisagua (the first time Chilean forces set foot on Peruvian territory) and captured it after fierce fighting. This gave the Chileans a base where they could land soldiers, weapons and supplies for the land campaign.