Siege of Izmail

Overview

The siege of Izmail, also called the storming of Izmail, was a military action fought in 1790 on the Danube near the Black Sea during the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792) and simultaneously the Austro-Turkish War (1788–1791). The Russians were led by Alexander Suvorov, who had defeated the Ottoman Turkish forces at Kinburn, Focsani, and Rymnik, as well as participating in the siege of Ochakov. The Black Sea rowing flotilla was commanded by the Spanish admiral José de Ribas who was in the service of the Russian Empire. In preparation for the storming, Suvorov personally trained his soldiers and, approaching Izmail Fortress at a distance of a gunshot, explained to senior officers how and where to act during the assault. It is regarded as one of Suvorov's finest victories and one of the greatest deeds in world military history.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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

Forces & casualties

Commanders (6)