Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout(1877)
Romania / Russia victorylandfortified
Background
By December 1877, Osman Pasha's garrison had been encircled for three months. Rations fell to 4 oz of bread daily. With relief impossible, Osman resolved on a desperate mass breakout toward Opanets.
Campaign: Siege of Plevna 1877
Forces Engaged
Victor
Romania / Russia
Commander: Col. Mihail Cerchez (Romanian sector)
Strength: 30,000
Defeated
Ottoman Empire
Commander: Osman Nuri Pasha
Strength: 30,000
The Battle
Osman Pasha's final breakout attempt. Ottoman forces briefly broke through before a counterattack. Osman wounded, surrendered his sword to Col. Cerchez.
“"Together with my army I surrender myself into the hands of the young and brave Romanian army." — Osman Nuri Pasha to Colonel Mihail Cerchez, December 10, 1877
Casualties & Outcome
2,000
Romania / Russia
casualties
6,000
Ottoman Empire
casualties
~1,700–2,000 killed and wounded (Allied); ~5,000–6,000 killed and wounded, 43,338 surrendered (Ottoman)
Romania / Russia achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
Osman Pasha captured. 44,000 Ottoman troops surrendered. The road to Constantinople lay open.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Fall of Plevna — decisive turning point of the entire Russo-Turkish War.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- The Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout took place in 1877. Dec 10, 1877.
- Who won the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- The Romania / Russia were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- Fall of Plevna — decisive turning point of the entire Russo-Turkish War.
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