In response, in May 1785, their governor, Jovan Radonjić, send his cousin, Jovo Popov, to the capital of the Pashalik, Shkodër, imploring Kara Mahmud to reconsider his plans of attacking Montenegro.

[2] In reply, Mahmud promised that he would halt his plans against the Montenegrins, only if they would provide hostages from Njegoš's family, settle the 16-year overdue tribute, and allow his representatives to govern Montenegro.

[4] In response, Kara Mahmud launched the invasion, departing from Shkodër on 13 June 1785, with a force of 30,000-45,000 soldiers and cavalry, accompanied by three cannons, to begin the assault on Montenegro by both land and sea.

[6] With the Podgorica district secured and his alliances in Bosnia established, in April, he returned to Shkodra to make the final preparations for the invasion of Old Montenegro.

[9][3] After the campaign Kara Mahmud settled a promised war gift, in which he gave Milić and knez Martinović two flasks filled with Ottoman copper coins, and 10 ducats each for the service they had done for him.

[10] However, when Kara Mahmud crossed Paštrovići on the 29th of June at the Kašćela height, Rade Andrović (a Serbian Orthodox priest) and his two friends approached and failed to assassinate him.

[11][12] Following the ambush, Mahmud swiftly ordered the pillaging and burning of Paštrovići, he perpetrated numerous atrocities in the area, with some scholars estimating a death toll exceeding two hundred.