Assyrian volunteers Ottoman Empire See also: Persian famine of 1917–1919 The Battle of Seray Mountain (5 May – 13 August 1917) took place between the Assyrian Volunteers, led by Agha Petros and Malik Khoshaba, and Ottoman Empire force led by Halil Kut.

Despite the extreme situation, they managed to bring all of their women and flocks and herds safely to Persia.

Two of Khoshaba's patrols were successful in capturing Turkish soldiers to gather intel about their positions.

Khoshaba decided to withdraw his men to their defences for the night, and to send out patrols to halt the enemy moving towards Seray.

Khoshaba, who could speak fluent Turkish, questioned the prisoners, most of whom claimed no reinforcements would be arriving.