The Ottoman army settles into position as…
October 1529 CE
The Ottoman army settles into position as the Austrian garrison launches sorties to disrupt the digging and mining of tunnels below the city's walls by Ottoman sappers, and in one case almost capturing Ibrahim Pasha.
The defending forces detect and successfully detonate several mines intended to bring down the city's walls, subsequently dispatching eight thousand men on October 6, to attack the Ottoman mining operations, destroying many of the tunnels, but sustaining serious losses when the confined spaces hinder their retreat into the city.
The Count of Salm is wounded by a falling rock, and will die a few months later from his wounds.
More rain falls on October 11, and with the Ottomans failing to make any breaches in the walls, the prospects for victory begin to fade rapidly.
In addition, Suleiman is facing critical shortages of supplies such as food and water, while casualties, sickness, and desertions begin taking a toll on his army's ranks.
The janissaries begin voicing their displeasure at the progression of events, demanding a decision on whether to remain or abandon the siege.
The Sultan convenes an official council on October 12 to deliberate the matter.
It is decided to attempt one final, major assault on Vienna, an "all or nothing" gamble.
Extra rewards are offered to the troops.
However, this assault is also beaten back as, once again, the arquebuses and long pikes of the defenders prevail.
Unseasonably heavy snowfall makes conditions go from bad to worse.
The Ottoman retreat turns into a disaster with much of the baggage and artillery abandoned or lost in rough conditions, as are many prisoners.
Vienna thus stands as the principal European bulwark against further Muslim advance.
Under the existing conditions of supply, transport, and military organization, the Ottomans have reached the limit of their possible expansion in the West; the winter base that supports this expansion must be maintained in Constantinople because of the constant threat of military action against the Safavids in the East.
The siege of Vienna, however, has secured Süleyman's rule of Hungary and will prevent Ferdinand from launching a new attack against the territories ruled by Zápolya.
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