An Army Opened Fire — On Itself
In 1788, an Austrian army defeated itself before the enemy even arrived.
During the Austro-Turkish War, a cavalry patrol found alcohol near the town of Karansebes — and got drunk. When infantry tried to join them, a brawl broke out.
Shots were fired in the darkness. Some soldiers shouted, "Turks! Turks!"
In a confused, multilingual army — speaking German, Hungarian, and Slavic languages, panic spread instantly. Units began firing at each other.
By morning, the army had retreated in chaos.
Two days later, the Ottomans arrived and captured the town — without a fight.
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