The Ottoman army meanwhile had failed to capitalize on the success at Kut and the British had made extensive preparations for another general assault.

The British then attacked strongly, and Halil Pasha could not hold on to the defensive positions and Ottomans had to evacuate Baghdad on March 10/11, 1917.

Liman von Sanders makes a vague reference to the Napoleon's French campaign in Egypt and Syria for the choice of the name.

The order for the creation of the army group specifically read as follows:[11] Its organization was to be very different that other German units and personnel assisting the Ottoman war effort.

[12] The army group included troops who used the latest Western-Front infiltration tactics; were equipped with close-combat gear, such as Stahlhelms and stick-grenades; and were supported by artillery and machine guns.

Falkenhayn immediately realized the danger and told Enver Pasha that it would not be wise to move to Baghdad without securing the Sinai front first.

Army commander Cemal Pasha, concerned about intense British propaganda, also favored bolstering the Sinai-Palestine area.

They prepared a report called "Trio Oath" (Üçler Misâkı) and decided to establish army inspectorate for the defense of homeland.

Additionally, the Rumeli Military Troops Inspectorate (Nureddin Pasha) would be established and the XIII Corps would be under the direction of the Ministry of War.