The Ottoman forces, in winter quarters, suffered a series of unexpected reverses, which led to a Russian victory.

At the same time, the end of the Gallipoli Campaign would free up considerable Turkish soldiers, which made Nikolai Yudenich, the commander of the Russian Caucasus Army, prepare to launch an offensive.

[2] The Erzurum fortress was considered impregnable, it had excellent shapes, and the road to the city passed through incredible slopes.

[1] On December 29, the Russians went on the offensive in several positions at the same time, the shooters moved slowly and completely in the snow on the mountain tops, and the Turks defended very fiercely.

[12] Mahmut Kamil had five divisions in the Deve-Boyun ridge area but was slow to react to events north of that position.

After a major victory, Yudenich did not plan to stop the offensive, but Grand Duke Nicholas sharply opposed this, considering the assault doomed and irrational.

[12] On January 28, the headquarters of the Army of the Caucasus was assembled, most of the officers were in favor of postponing the assault, and Yuderich agreed with them, saying to storm 5 minutes later than planned.

[14] On January 29, the assault on the fortress began, the Turks defended themselves and preferred to die, but did not retreat and launched counterattacks.

[2] The breakthrough through the Kargabazir plateau was decisive, because of its loss the entire Turkish front collapsed, five days later the assault ended with the capture of the fortress.

[18] The total losses of the Ottomans during the campaign is 66,000 killed, wounded and captured[19] The battle ended with the complete defeat of the 3rd Turkish army, after the operation it ceased to exist as a single unit.

[20] This operation showed the superiority of the Russians in the Caucasus, and their preparation for the difficult conditions there, as the battle took place in a mountainous area at a minimum temperature.