In several months, the cities of Erznka, Erzerum, Sarikamish, Kars and Alexandropol were invaded. On May 20, they invaded the Akhbulag, Djrajur and Kaltakhchi villages. On May 21, they invaded Vorontsovka. Pressed by the Turkish regular army, Armenian forces were retreating. One of the advancing Turkish forces moved towards Yerevan, another one to Karakilisa. The latter forces included about 10 thousand soldiers, 80 pieces of artillery and 50 machine-guns. The Armenians were leaving their homes moving to the south to Yerevan and Syunik. Garegin Nzhdeh (with his troops) reached Karakilisa and managed to unite the population for the fight. The Armenian forces reached the number of 6 thousand, with 80 pieces of artillery and 50 machine-guns. After a violent battle of 4 days, on May 25–28, both sides had serious losses. Although the Ottoman army managed to occupy Karakilisa and massacre all its population of 4,000 souls, it had no more forces to intrude farther into Armenian territories.Hohanissian, Richard G. (1997) The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times. New York. St. Martin's Press, 299
