Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 456 Crossing the River
Kyzylorda, known as Akmechet in Iran and Perovsk Fortress in Russia, is situated right next to the Syr Darya River. After its occupation by Russia, it was converted into a military fortress. Its strategic location controlling the middle and lower reaches of the Syr Darya made it a hotly contested area.

Regimental Commander Pashinyan of the First Army Corps in the Iranian River Basin was issuing orders. "When will the artillery arrive? They are one of the main forces coming up. General Salami said they would arrive on time. What are they doing? The day after tomorrow is the scheduled time, and they still haven't arrived."

Seeing the furious general, Chief of Staff Mousavi couldn't help but say, "It seems the artillery regiment can't arrive in full force by the deadline. Should we consider borrowing some equipment from friendly forces? These heavy artillery pieces can't possibly arrive within the allotted time."

Pashinyan thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

This time, they planned to cross the Syr Darya River and establish a settlement two kilometers from Akmechet. For this to succeed, secrecy was essential.

The night was as dark as ink, and the Syr Darya River shimmered with a faint moonlight. Hundreds of Iranian soldiers held their breath, rowing their small boats slowly toward the opposite bank. The oars gently rippled the water, careful not to make a sound. The reeds along the riverbank rustled in the night wind, masking the subtle movements of the convoy. The commando leader in charge of the operation stood on the lead boat, his eyes fixed on the dark silhouettes on the opposite bank, his binoculars occasionally sweeping towards the Russian fortress.

"Keep quiet," he commanded in a low voice. "The landing point is just three hundred meters ahead."

However, just as the fleet was about to reach the shore, several lights suddenly appeared on the opposite bank. Immediately afterwards, a sharp whistle pierced the night sky—a Russian patrol had spotted them.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" The shouts in Russian instantly shattered the silence of the night.

In an instant, the Russian fortress's cannons roared, shells whistling as they crashed into the river, sending up massive plumes of water. A small boat was hit directly, splinters of wood and blood scattering in the flames. The captain gritted his teeth and roared, "Full speed ahead! Don't stop!"

The number of torches on the opposite bank suddenly increased, and the alarms of the Russian army sounded incessantly. Immediately afterwards, the rapid sound of hooves came from the direction of the fortress—the Cossack cavalry had moved out.

The Russian troops on the opposite bank had already assembled, and the gunfire grew increasingly intense. The soldiers rowed frantically, bullets raining down from the Russian positions on the other side, crackling and popping on the water. Several soldiers were hit and fell into the water, but the others continued their struggle. Finally, the first small boats reached the riverbank, and the soldiers quickly jumped out, crawling on the riverbed, and using the cover of darkness to approach the Russian positions.

"Spread out! Establish a defensive line!" The captain drew his saber and pointed it towards the Russian fortress. The Iranian soldiers quickly spread out, using the terrain to construct temporary shelters, while simultaneously setting up the light artillery carried by their ships, preparing for a counterattack.

The Russian response was swift; infantrymen inside the fortress charged out in formation, attempting to drive the Iranians back into the river. A fierce firefight ensued on the muddy riverbank, the sounds of gunfire, shouts, and the screams of the wounded mingling together. Russian artillery continued to bombard the river, trying to cut off reinforcements.

The Cossack cavalry had already charged forward, their sabers gleaming coldly in the moonlight. "Form ranks! Form ranks!" the Iranian officer roared, and the soldiers hastily formed defensive formations, bayonets pointed at the charging cavalry.

The first wave of cavalry charged into the ranks of Iranian soldiers, their sabers slashing and blood splattering. The Iranian soldiers fought desperately, but faced with the cavalry charge, their lines began to falter.

Mousavi watched the fierce battle in the river and roared at the people around him.

"Where's the artillery?!"

"Still on the way," a messenger reported breathlessly. "They said it would take at least another hour to get there!"

He knew the vanguard had to hold out until reinforcements arrived, or the operation would be a complete failure. So he said, "Have the engineers build a pontoon bridge; the main force must cross the river as quickly as possible!" Mousavi quickly arranged for his men to carry out the order.

The fighting intensified, and the Russian army clearly had no intention of allowing the Iranians to gain a foothold. They deployed more infantry, and the Iranian soldiers' lines were gradually compressed, resulting in increasing casualties.

At this critical moment, a flash of light suddenly appeared on the eastern horizon—the Iranian artillery regiment had finally arrived!

"Fire! Cover the troops crossing the river!" Pashinyan practically roared the order.

Instantly, Iranian heavy artillery roared deafeningly, shells streaking across the night sky like meteors, slamming into Russian fortifications and positions. The explosions illuminated the battlefield, and several Cossack cavalrymen were thrown from their horses.

"Damn it, they're finally here!" Pashinyan spat, then shouted, "All troops, charge! Now!"

Russian artillery was suppressed, and the infantry charge was shattered. Taking advantage of the situation, the main Iranian forces on the opposite bank of the river began to construct a pontoon bridge. Engineers braved artillery fire to push sections of the pontoon bridge into the water and quickly connect them.

The artillery barrage temporarily halted the Russian counterattack, and Iranian soldiers seized the opportunity, charging towards the Russian lines with shouts. Bayonets clashed with sabers, gunfire mingled with battle cries, and the fighting on the riverbank instantly intensified.

Realizing the dire situation, the Russian commander immediately ordered a concentrated barrage of fire on the pontoon bridge. Several shells struck the bridge, sending wood chips and chains flying, but the Iranian engineers, undeterred, jumped into the water to begin repairs.

"Hold on for another ten minutes!" Pashinis, who had already crossed the river, encouraged his soldiers. "Once the bridge is built, victory will be ours!"

Finally, under the cover of artillery fire, the pontoon bridge was successfully erected. The main Iranian forces surged across the Syr Darya River like a tidal wave, and the Russian defenses were completely overwhelmed.

The remaining Russian soldiers began to retreat towards the fortress, while the Iranian army pursued them relentlessly, firmly establishing the bridgehead on the opposite bank of the river. The Iranian soldiers chased after them relentlessly until the fortress walls began to roar and bullets rained down, forcing the Iranians to stop.

As the first rays of dawn shone on the battlefield, Pashinyan stood on the newly captured high ground, gazing at the still-smoking Russian fortress in the distance, a cold smile playing on his lips.

“General, we have succeeded,” Mousavi stepped forward, his face showing exhaustion but excitement. “The bridgehead is secure, and the engineers are building fortifications.”

Pashinyan nodded: "Let the troops rest, but don't let your guard down. The Russians won't give up easily; they will definitely retaliate."

The soldiers sprang into action, digging trenches and erecting makeshift bunkers. Although the Russian fortresses still loomed large, the Iranians had already established a foothold on the land.

The Syr Darya River continues to flow quietly, but after this night, the history of this land will be completely changed.

(End of this chapter)