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 (1890-1917) leadership, rebels had some success, liberating many places in the area (at that time, Niški okrug). All three occupying forces in Serbia—Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Bulgaria—united and deployed three artillery divisions to the region, suppressing the rebellion (thousands of people killed, mostly civilians).