Bulgarian Army captures Niš during World War I

On October 23, 1915, during the Morava Offensive (also known as the Niš Operation), the Bulgarian First Army entered the city of Niš. Following the breakthrough of the Niš fortified area, Bulgarian forces, including elements of the 8th Thracian Infantry Division and the 9th Pleven Infantry Division, successfully breached the defensive lines.

The capture of the city disrupted the organized defense of the Serbian eastern group and cleared a path toward Kosovo Polje. Historical records indicate that the operation resulted in significant casualties and captures, with Serbian losses including 630 killed and over 13,000 prisoners. Bulgarian forces seized 206 artillery pieces and large quantities of military supplies, food, and ammunition.

While a strategic victory, the offensive came at a high cost for the Bulgarian military, with reports citing approximately 2,200 killed or missing and 6,980 wounded personnel during the battles between the Timok and Morava rivers.