BATTLE // December 22, 1790
Siege of Izmail
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The storming of Izmail was a major Russian success during the Seventh Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792), delivering the heavily fortified Danube stronghold to Russian control against a defending Ottoman garrison that outnumbered the attacking force. The Russian assault force of 28,000–32,000 overcame an Ottoman defense of 40,000–42,000, with Ottoman casualties reaching nearly 42,000 against Russian losses of approximately 4,500. The fall of Izmail strengthened Russia's position along the Danube and the Black Sea littoral at a moment when the war was being fought simultaneously with the Austro-Turkish conflict (1788–1791). The operation added to a sequence of Russian battlefield successes under Suvorov — following Kinburn, Focsani, and Rymnik, as well as the siege of Ochakov — that collectively eroded Ottoman capacity to sustain the war. It is considered among Suvorov's most significant operational achievements.
Tactics
In preparation for the assault, Suvorov personally trained his soldiers for the storming. He approached Izmail Fortress to within a gunshot's distance in order to explain directly to senior officers how and where to act during the attack. The Black Sea rowing flotilla, commanded by José de Ribas under Russian service, participated in the operation alongside the land forces.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Russian Empire28,000–32,000medium
- Ottoman Empire40,000–42,000medium
Ottoman Empire fielded a 1.4 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Russian Empire4,582medium15% loss rate
- Ottoman Empire41,999medium102% loss rate
Commanders (6)
Ottoman Empire
Russian Empire
Alexander Suvorovgeneralissimo
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6 sibling battles · 2 factions