Initially, under the leadership of Kosta Vojinoviċ (1890-1917), rebels had some success, liberating many places in the area (at that time, Niški okrug). All three occupying forces in Serbia, Austro-Hungary, Germany and Bulgaria, joined forces and brought three artillery divisions into the area, crushing the rebellion (several thousand killed, mostly civilians).
Initially, under Kosta Vojinoviċ's leadership, rebels had some success in liberating areas. However, all three occupying forces—Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Bulgaria—united their artillery divisions to suppress the rebellion (thousands of people were killed, primarily civilians).