At the time of the raid , Guernica represented a focal strategic point for the Republican forces .
The Basque Government , an autonomous regional administrative body formed by Basque nationalists , sought to defend Biscay and parts of Guipuzcoa with its own light Basque Army .
At the time of the raid , Guernica represented a focal strategic point for the Republican forces .
The Basque Government , an autonomous regional administrative body formed by Basque nationalists , sought to defend Biscay and parts of Guipuzcoa with its own light Basque Army .