The Serbian campaign against Albanian patriots in Kosovo during the Winter of 1877–1878

An analysis of military operations between Serbian forces and Albanian (Arnaut) irregulars during the Balkan conflict in the final stages of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1877.

Background

In the winter of 1877–1878, as the Russo-Turkish War approached its climax, Serbian forces launched a campaign to expand their territory southward, particularly into Kosovo — a region then under Ottoman rule and largely populated by ethnic Albanians. With the Ottoman Empire retreating, local Albanian militias (referred to in Serbian sources as “Arnauts”) emerged as fierce defenders of their homeland. The Serbian army’s advance was met with significant resistance in the rugged mountainous terrain, culminating in a series of engagements that highlight both the brutality and strategic complexity of Balkan warfare during this period.

Early Resistance and Skirmishes (Before January 7, 1878)

Initial clashes occurred when the inhabitants of the villages of Stuble and Kacabaća joined a growing Albanian resistance near an unnamed village. Although these forces were quickly repelled, they regrouped in nearby forests near Kacabaća, where they resumed armed resistance. This pattern of retreat and ambush would characterize much of the Albanian strategy.

The Battle of Granjica – January 7, 1878

Albanian fighters retreated to Granjica, where they were reinforced by Arnauts from Dubova. On January 7, they mounted a fierce three-hour defense against the Braničevo Brigade of the Serbian army. The Serbs ultimately overran the position, securing the road to Zlata.

Casualties reported on the Serbian side included 6 wounded (including one Ustasha) and 2 killed (one Ustasha and one cavalryman). In an effort to demoralize the Arnauts, the Serbian forces deployed light artillery, firing several cannon rounds into defensive positions.

Crossing Madana Mountain – January 14, 1878

Three days later, the Serbian 2nd (Kamenica) Battalion and cavalry units under the command of the Serbian prince advanced toward Prepolac over Madana Mountain, where Arnauts offered staunch resistance. After prolonged gunfire and the deployment of 12 cannon shells, the Albanians retreated toward Svinjište and Tr’ha. Serbian troops bivouacked in deep snow that night, underlining the harsh winter conditions they endured during the campaign.

Advance into Prepolac – January 17, 1878

The Serbian army pressed deeper into Prepolac from Svinjište, despite severe impediments: enemy resistance, snow-covered trails, lack of supplies, and treacherous weather. That day, the Serbs engaged in a decisive battle at Tr’a (Trha), located at the head of the Kosaonica River. The village and the dominant hill above it were captured after an extended firefight. The Arnauts ultimately surrendered, but only after determined resistance.

Flanking Battles and Skirmishes (Mid-January)

In subsequent days, Serbian forces engaged in several intense engagements. In one incident, a fierce battle erupted in the afternoon, stretching across the right wing to the center of the Serbian line. Reinforcements led by Lieutenant Milan Petrović of the Rasin Battalion briefly held off an advancing force of Arnauts. However, due to the enemy’s numerical superiority, the Serbian right flank was forced to retreat, only to be absorbed by the Trstenica Battalion arriving from the rear. The Serbian forces returned to their original positions, and no counterattack followed.

Separately, Arnauts ambushed Serbian troops near the Krajina Battalion‘s position. The Serbs responded with a flanking maneuver:

The 1st Battalion targeted the right flank,

The 2nd Battalion opened artillery fire on the center,

The 3rd Battalion maneuvered to the enemy’s left and rear.

The Arnauts had positioned themselves skillfully on a steep hill, but Serbian tactics eventually forced them into retreat.

The Battle of Šajkovac – January 20, 1878

One of the most significant engagements took place at Šajkovac. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Serbian brigades, including the IV and V Brigades, fought Arnaut defenders. The terrain — mountainous, forested, and blanketed in snow — was considered impassable even in summer. The surprise use of Serbian artillery and field cannons, despite terrain limitations, demoralized the Albanian fighters and led to their withdrawal.

This battle marked a turning point in the campaign, as Albanian confidence was severely undermined by the Serbian army’s ability to penetrate areas that even the Ottoman army had never managed to enter.

Reconnaissance and Occupation of Abandoned Villages

In parallel operations, cavalry units from the 11th Šumadija Division, led by Captain Krsto Šećović, advanced through the Veternica Gorge and surrounding villages. They found no enemy presence; the Arnauts had already abandoned key settlements like Poljanica, Miruševci, and Igrište. Other units observed the Vučanska River region, which was also found empty.

Meanwhile, Serbian forces launched successful assaults on Ak Palanka and Kuršumlija. The Arnauts withdrew overnight from the latter, and Serbian troops entered unopposed the following day.

Combat near Visoki and Kosaonica

In another significant operation, Serbian brigades, including the Jagodina and Čačak brigades, attacked Arnauts and Ottoman troops fortified near Samokov-Leskovac. Fog hampered artillery accuracy, but the Čačak brigade captured the Turkish trenches, while the Jagodina brigade secured strategic high ground.

Final Engagements and Albanian Retreat

In the last noted action, Arnauts attacked the Serbian left wing from the direction of Mount Radan. The Serbs responded with coordinated infantry and artillery fire, forcing the Albanians into a hasty retreat along the Dubnica River valley, toward Pristina. During their flight, columns of Arnaut fighters were observed moving in disorganized formations, indicating the breakdown of organized resistance.

The Balkan Front in Late 1877 – Serbian Engagements with Albanian Irregulars

As the Russo-Turkish War neared its end, the Serbian army launched a southern offensive against Ottoman positions in what is now southern Serbia and Kosovo. The retreating Ottoman forces left behind a patchwork of entrenched troops and local irregulars — most notably Arnauts, Albanian fighters who fiercely resisted Serbian advances in their homeland.

The campaign was fought in harsh winter conditions, across mountainous terrain, and against a network of local resistance deeply familiar with the land. Despite this, the Serbian army pushed forward, engaging in multiple battles and skirmishes from late December 1877 into early January 1878.

Battle of Kuršumlija – December 26, 1877

Following a tactical retreat from Samokov, Serbian units regrouped around Kuršumlija along the Toplica River. They soon encountered heavy resistance.

Ottoman forces brought four battalions into the region. However, only one battalion of regular soldiers (Nizam) and Albanian irregulars actively joined the fight. The rest remained in reserve. The battle involved repeated Ottoman-Arnaut assaults on Serbian trenches, all of which were repelled. While exact enemy losses remain unknown, the repeated failed offensives suggest substantial casualties on the Ottoman side.

Campaign Movements – December 31, 1877

On the last day of the year, Serbian units began a flanking maneuver from Begoljina, aiming to threaten Ottoman positions at Novo Vlasi, Arbanashka, and Avad. These operations were supported by mountain troops from the Moravian Division and intended to shield the Danube Division’s progress.

Mountain Warfare and Isolated Skirmishes – Early January 1878

In the mountains near Vlasotince and Kopašnica, Serbian detachments fortified key positions. Turkish forces threatened attack, but no direct orders were issued for engagement. Meanwhile, Serbian operations expanded with the deployment of the Danube Division to Bogujevac, freeing up mobility.

The winter terrain was brutal: dense forests, deep snow, and limited visibility. Communications were often broken, and units became isolated. The Arnauts, using their knowledge of the landscape and Martini rifles, ambushed Serbian detachments from multiple directions.

One of the most serious losses occurred when the 1st Platoon of the Jagodina Brigade was surrounded and destroyed. On the same front, the Serbian left wing successfully held under fire, but the right wing, facing a battalion, cavalry squadron, and Arnaut fighters, was overwhelmed and forced to retreat.

Collapse of Albanian Resistance Around Vranje

As the Serbian army advanced, morale among Ottoman and Arnaut defenders began to deteriorate. Near Vladica’s fields, four Ottoman-Arnaut camps withdrew to a defensive line known as the “Two Brothers” position in front of Vranje.

At Masura, a force of 1,000 Arnauts also retreated the next day. A critical turning point came when several villages — including Lugojnica, Lukavica, Žitorađa, and Surdulica — began surrendering without resistance. Their leaders, Abduraman and Osman Bey, ordered the surrender after observing the humane treatment of captured fighters by the Serbian army.

Final Clashes – Encirclement and Ravine Warfare

Serbian troops occupying hills near a ravine were suddenly attacked at 11 a.m. by Arnaut units from the lower ground in a surprise encircling maneuver.

In another sector near the Medved River, Serbian forces faced the strongest enemy position yet: a fortified high ground anchored by a deep ravine, with the right wing resting on the Grdelica Gorge. The Arnauts launched a two-pronged assault here, forcing initial Serbian retreat. Arnaut numbers were especially high on the left flank of this line, indicating the strategic importance they placed on the position.

Conclusion

The Serbian campaign in Kosovo during the winter of 1877–1878 was marked by fierce resistance from local Albanian forces, difficult terrain, and extreme winter weather. Nevertheless, Serbian troops demonstrated tactical adaptability, effective use of artillery, and resilience in harsh conditions.

The campaign resulted in the expulsion of Albanian defenders from key strategic areas, significantly altering the demographic and political landscape of the region. It also laid the groundwork for future conflicts in Kosovo, as Serbian expansion into predominantly Albanian territories ignited long-standing national and ethnic tensions — the echoes of which would resonate well into the 20th and 21st centuries.

Chronological order of events

December 13–14, 1877

Serbian forces extend fortifications in front of Nish, especially at “Mpamova stake”.
A bridgehead is built.
Arnauts and Turkish irregulars (bashibazouks) are active during the truce period.

Before January 7, 1878

(Exact date not stated, but precedes Jan 7)

Villagers from Stuble and Kacabaća join resistance near a village (possibly Prepolac or Granjica).
They are pushed back, but regroup in nearby forests near Kacabaća.
Heavy skirmishing begins.

January 7, 1878 – Battle of Granjica

Arnauts retreat to Granjica, reinforced by Arnauts from Dubova.
Defend for 3 hours against the Braničevo Brigade.
Eventually driven out, and the road to Zlata is cleared.
Serbian casualties: 6 wounded (including 1 Ustasha), 2 killed (1 Ustasha, 1 cavalryman).
Light cannons are used to intimidate defenders.

January 14, 1878 – Battle over Madana Mountain

Prince’s army (2nd Kamenica Battalion + cavalry) advances toward Prepolac via Madana mountain.
Arnauts mount a strong defense.
After heavy gunfire and 12 cannonballs, they retreat to Svinjište and Trha.
Serbian troops bivouac in snow overnight.

January 17, 1878 – Battle of Prepolac

Serbian army continues deeper into Prepolac from Svinjište.
Faces resistance from Arnauts, difficult terrain, cold weather, and food shortages.
Battle at Tr’a (Trha) near Kosaonica River:
- Serbs capture the village and a key hill.
- Arnauts surrender after intense firefight.

Undated (Possibly Jan 17–18) – Heavy Skirmish

Serbian right wing comes under heavy Arnaut attack.
Lt. Milan Petrović arrives with reinforcements from the Rasin Battalion.
Intense battle causes right wing to retreat.
They are covered and received by the Trstenica Battalion.
Serbian troops fall back to original positions; enemy does not pursue further.

Undated – Ambush at Krajina Battalion

After Serbian vanguard passes, Arnauts ambush near Macedonian positions.
Serbian 1st Battalion flanks right, 2nd attacks center with mountain guns, 3rd climbs and attacks left/rear.
Arnauts had fortified a steep hill.
They are eventually forced to retreat.

January 20, 1878 – Battle at Šajkovac

Serbian IV and V brigades engage Arnauts near Šajkovac.
Combat lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Arnauts are driven out.
Despite terrain deemed impassable, Serbs advance with cannons — surprising Arnauts and weakening their morale.

Undated – Veternica Gorge & Surroundings

11th Šumadija Division (led by Capt. Krsto Šećović) advances to Poljanica, finds no resistance — Arnauts retreat.
Other cavalry reconnoiter Vučanska River, Miruševci, and Igrište – no enemy seen.

Same day – Victory near Kuršumlija and Ak Palanka

Serbian troops win battles in two directions:
- Capture Ak Palanka
- Arnauts retreat from Kuršumlija, Serbs enter the next day.

Undated – Battle near Visoki / Kosaonica

Serbian army faces Arnauts + Turkish troops fortified near Samokov-Leskovac.
Artillery opens fire early but stops due to fog.
Čačak brigade captures Turkish trenches.
Jagodina brigade pushes Arnauts off strategic hill.

Undated – Retreat near Dubnica River

Arnauts launch an attack from Radan against Serbian left wing.
Serbian troops counter with strong artillery and infantry fire.
Arnauts retreat along Dubnica River valley toward Pristina.
The Serbian strategy focused on cutting off Albanian resistance through mountain passes and fortified villages.
Arnauts (Albanian fighters) used local terrain, forests, and hills for ambushes and resistance.
Heavy terrain and winter conditions made movement difficult, but Serbian forces prevailed in most engagements.
Artillery and flanking maneuvers were key Serbian tactics.
Multiple references to surprise and morale collapse among Arnaut defenders when cannons or reinforcements arrived.

December 26, 1877 – Battle Near Kuršumlija

Serbian forces regroup on the banks of the Toplica River after retreating from Samokov.
A battle takes place near Kuršumlija.
The enemy fields 4 camps of regular Ottoman troops and many Arnauts (Albanian irregulars).
- Only 1 Nizam battalion and Arnauts actively engage.
- The other 3 battalions remain in reserve.
Repeated enemy attacks on Serbian trenches are repulsed, suggesting heavy Ottoman-Arnaut casualties.

December 31, 1877 – Movements Around Begoljina

Serbian troops depart from Begoljina at 8 a.m.
Turkish forces include:
- 1 infantry battalion
- 1 cavalry squadron
- Numerous Arnauts
Serbian Moravian Division moves toward Novo Vlasi, then Arbanashka and Avad, to conduct a counterattack along the Danube Division’s advance.

Early January 1878 – Mountain Warfare and Skirmishes

Kopašnica: Serbian detachment at Vlasotince fortifies positions but does not engage in battle; Turkish forces threaten attack.
Danube Division deployment to Bogujevac allows free movement.
Terrain is mountainous, snow-covered, and forested — visibility is poor, and communications are cut.
Arnauts attack isolated Serbian units from all directions using Martini rifles.
In one incident:
- 1st Platoon of the Jagodina Brigade is cut off and lost.
- Serbian left wing is attacked and holds position.
- The right wing is attacked by a battalion, a cavalry squadron, and Arnauts. Serbian units retreat due to enemy numerical superiority.

Undated (Likely early January) – Vranje & Surrounding Villages

Near Vladica’s fields, 4 Ottoman-Arnaut camps retreat to the “Two Brothers” position near Vranje in the face of Serbian advances.
At Masura, 1 camp with ~1000 Arnauts also retreats the next day.
Albanian fighters from villages like Lugojnica, Lukavica, Prekodolca, Žitorađa, and Surdulica, led by Abduraman and Osman Bey, begin surrendering to the Serbian army, encouraged by the humane treatment of prisoners.

Undated (Early January) – Fierce Firefight

A Serbian 1st battalion occupies a hill on the right bank of a ravine.
At 11 a.m., fierce rifle fire breaks out on the unoccupied left wing.
Arnauts launch a sudden, encircling attack from lower positions.

Undated (Early January) – Battle Near Medved River

At a strong Ottoman-Arnaut position overlooking the Grdelica Gorge, Arnauts launch a two-pronged attack.
Serbian units initially retreat.
The terrain includes:
- Deep ravines
- Forested high ground
- Strong fortifications
Arnauts positioned left of the Turkish line are present in large numbers.

Commentary: The invasion of Albanian-inhabited villages

It is important to underscore that many of the villages and regions targeted during the Serbian military campaign of 1877–1878 were inhabited predominantly by ethnic Albanians. Villages such as Lugojnica, Lukavica, Prekodolca, Žitorađa, Surdulica, and others were not just strategic positions — they were civilian settlements with long-established Albanian populations.

The Serbian army’s advance into these areas was not merely a military maneuver but constituted an invasion of ethnically non-Serbian territories, often accompanied by armed confrontations with local resistance (Arnauts), population displacement, and in some cases, the forced surrender of villages.

The fact that some communities surrendered after witnessing the humane treatment of prisoners suggests a calculated psychological dimension to the Serbian campaign. Nonetheless, the broader consequence was the military occupation of Albanian lands, which would have lasting demographic, political, and cultural implications in the Balkans.

References

Sources drawn from contemporary military reports and compiled battle accounts of the Serbian army during the 1877–1878 conflict.

Rat Srbije sa Turskom za oslobođenje i nevestavnost, 1877-78. god (operativno odeljenje Vrhovne commande) 1879