Montenegrin-Ottoman War (1876-1878)

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Montenegrin-Ottoman War of 1876-1878

Date	18 June 1876 - 19 February 1878
Location	Montenegro and Herzegovina (Ottoman Empire)
Result	Montenegrin victory

Belligerents

Montenegro

Ottoman Empire

Commanders

Prince Nicholas I
Janko Vukotić
Marko Miljanov Popović
Luka Filipov

Muktar Pasha
Osman Pasha
Selim Pasha

Strength

Casualties and losses

700 killed
1,300 wounded

17,000 killed
18,000 wounded
1,150 captured

The Montenegrin-Ottoman War (Serbian: Црногорско-османски рат, Crnogorsko-osmanski rat) was a war between Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire that took place between 1876 and 1878. The war ended with Montenegro victorious. 6 major and 27 smaller battles were fought, among them was the famous (and crucial) Battle of Vučji Do.

A rebellion in nearby Herzegovina sparked a series of rebellions and uprisings against the Ottoman forces in Europe. Montenegro and Serbia agreed to declare a war on Turkey on 18 June 1876, thus starting the war. In the well planed and bravely fought war, Montenegrins, allied with Herzegovians, emerged victorious. One battle that was crucial to Montenegro's victory in the war was the Battle of Vučji Do. In 1877, Montenegrins fought heavy battles along the borders of Herzegovina and Albania. Prince Nicholas took the initiative and counterattacked the Turkish forces that were coming from the north, south and west. He conquered Nikšić (24 September 1877), Bar (10 January 1878), Ulcinj (20 January 1878), Grmožur (26 January 1878) and Vranjina and Lesendro (30 January 1878)

The war ended when the Turks signed a truce with the Montenegrins at Edirne om 13 January 1878. The advancement of Russian forces toward Turkey forced Turkey to sign a peace treaty on 3 March 1878. recognising the independence of Montenegro, as well as Romania and Serbia, and also increased Montenegro's territory from 4,405 km² to 9,475 km². Montenegro also gained the towns of Nikšić, Kolašin, Spuž, Podgorica, Žabljak, Bar, as well as access to the sea.