Answer
Kairouan, a strategic city in North Africa, was recaptured by Abd al-Malik's troops in 698. This victory marked a significant milestone in the Umayyad Caliphate's expansion, as it secured control over a vital region and strengthened their presence in the Maghreb. Kairouan became a major center of Islamic administration and culture, serving as the capital of the Umayyad province of Ifriqiya.