The Barbary pirates were a group of privateers and pirates who operated from the North African coast, particularly in the regions of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, they captured ships and enslaved sailors, often targeting European and American vessels. Their actions were driven by the desire for wealth and the influence of the Ottoman Empire. These pirates were notorious for their raids on coastal towns and their involvement in the slave trade. Many nations, including the United States, eventually took military action against them to protect their shipping interests. The conflict with the Barbary pirates led to significant naval engagements, shaping maritime law and international relations.