Dashnak offensive into Iranian Azerbaijan

The **Dashnak offensive into Iranian Azerbaijan** (Persian: حمله به آذربایجان ایران) was a military incursion led by Armenian volunteer forces under Andranik Ozanian in May–July 1918 during the final phase of World War I. The operation targeted the city of Khoy in northwestern Iran amid the collapse of Russian authority in the Caucasus following the Russian Revolution.

Iranian historical accounts describe the offensive as an attempt by Armenian forces, some of whom had previously operated in the Caucasus and eastern Anatolia, to consolidate territorial influence during a period of regional instability. The advance was resisted by local Iranian defenders, Ottoman troops stationed in the region, and allied Kurdish tribal forces.

## Background

During World War I, northwestern Iran became a contested zone between Ottoman, Russian, and local forces. The weakening of Qajar central authority and the withdrawal of Russian troops following the 1917 Revolution created a power vacuum in the region.

According to Iranian sources, Armenian and Assyrian armed groups reorganized in the Caucasus and advanced southward toward Khoy. Contemporary accounts attribute differing motives to the operation, including territorial ambitions and security concerns following intercommunal violence in the Ottoman Empire.

## Siege of Khoy

In late May 1918 (7 Khordad 1297 AHSh / 29 May 1918), forces under Andranik crossed into Iranian territory and advanced toward Khoy. Reports indicate that approximately 700 Ottoman troops under Abdulrahman Bey and Zuhdi Bey were stationed in the city, alongside local Iranian defenders and Kurdish tribal fighters.

On 3 July 1918, Armenian forces reportedly appeared outside Khoy and began surrounding parts of the city. Iranian accounts describe civilian participation in defensive efforts while awaiting Ottoman reinforcements.

Ottoman reinforcements later redirected toward Khoy and engaged Armenian forces with artillery support. According to Mohammad Amin Riahi, Ottoman shelling forced Armenian units to withdraw toward Julfa, effectively ending the siege.

## Strength estimates

Estimates of Armenian force numbers vary considerably in Iranian historiography. Rahmatollah Towfiq estimated 12,000 fighters, Mahdi Aghasi cited 8,000, Abbas Zaryab Khoei estimated 6,000, and Riahi suggested approximately 5,000 troops. Ahmad Kasravi described a broader coalition including foreign officers and volunteers.

## Infobox (military conflict)

- **conflict**: Dashnak offensive into Iranian Azerbaijan
- **native name**: حمله به آذربایجان ایران
- **partof**: Caucasus campaign and aftermath of World War I
- **image**: Andranik Ozanian 1918.jpg
- **caption**: Andranik Ozanian in 1918
- **date**: 29 May 1918 – July 1918
- **place**: Khoy and surrounding areas, West Azerbaijan, Qajar Iran
- **result**: Ottoman–Kurdish-Iranian  victory
* Armenian forces repelled
- **combatant1**: Armenian volunteer forces (Dashnaks)
Assyrian allied forces
- **combatant2**: Qajar Iran, Qajar state Local Iranian defenders

*Kurdish tribal auxiliaries
*Ottoman
- **commander1**: Andranik Ozanian
Agha Petros
- **commander2**: Abdulrahman Bey
Zuhdi Bey
Ali Ihsan Pasha
Sheikh Fazlollah Hojjat al-Islam
- **strength1**: 5,000–12,000 (disputed)
- **strength2**: ~700 Ottoman troops in Khoy
Local militias and tribal fighters
- **casualties1**: Unknown
- **casualties2**: Unknown