Belzani was merely a Small Town. But after the German 11th Corps' 32nd Infantry Division moved in, the entire town was transformed overnight by the German military into a sturdy fortress. One Infantry Division, along with more than twenty tanks from the 8th Armored Division, gave them formidable strength.
This was a crucial junction for the Russian military's eastward retreat. If the Russian military wanted to take a detour, they would have to cross mountains where the roads were difficult to traverse, or travel hundreds of kilometers farther. For the Russian military, who only wanted to flee, this was undoubtedly extremely difficult.
On October 14, the main force of the Russian 8th Army Corps arrived at Belzani. But whether to launch a frontal assault or take a detour left General Brusilov somewhat undecided. Although the German forces at Belzani were not numerous, Brusilov did not dare underestimate them in the slightest. In this battle, the German military's combat strength had long since been tested in actual combat. Even though the Russian 8th Army Corps still had more than two hundred thousand men, Brusilov had no confidence that he could defeat the German military and seize Belzani. Especially with the Austrian 3rd Army Corps in hot pursuit. If he delayed here for a day or two, the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army might catch up. Then he would be caught between advancing and retreating, trapped in a most unfavorable position.
"Order all units to attack in half an hour. Find a way to take Belzani. Otherwise, we are all finished," General Brusilov ordered.
"Yes, General." The adjutant relayed the order.
Half an hour later, the 26th Infantry Corps under the Russian 8th Army Corps, acting as the vanguard, was the first to launch an attack on Belzani.
Before attacking, the Russian military conducted