Battle of Arabakonak

The Battle of Arabakonak Pass in the Balkan Mountains was an unsuccessful offensive by the Ottoman Orhaniye Army against Gurko's Western Detachment during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. The source describes the detachment as helping the Ottoman Western Army besieged at Pleven.

Before the fighting, Ottoman troops occupied strategic positions in the Balkan Mountains. Their main position was at Arabakonak Pass, centred on the key Yaldaz Tabia redoubt. A successful attack from there was intended to help the Ottomans at Pleven.

Russian forces under Lieutenant General Iosif Gurko discovered the Ottoman plans, took pre-emptive action and began an artillery bombardment on 21 November.

The Ottoman assault began early in the morning, but fierce Russian resistance and artillery fire defeated the first breakthrough attempt. An ammunition explosion also caused casualties among the Ottomans. Further attacks on 22 November were repelled.

The battle ended in a Russian victory and demonstrated the failure of Ottoman offensive operations. Russian forces eventually took the position as they gradually crossed the Balkan Mountains.