Battle of Irtysh River

The Battle of Irtysh River (Chinese: 額爾齊斯河之戰) or Battle of Yexi River (Chinese: 曳咥河大戰) took place in 657 between Tang dynasty general Su Dingfang and the Western Turkic Khaganate qaghan Ashina Helu during the Tang campaign against the Western Turks. It was fought along the Irtysh River near the Altai Mountains. Su Dingfang deployed his infantry in the south, and cavalry in the north behind a hill. Helu's forces, consisting of 100,000 cavalry, surrounded and charged at the Chinese infantry three times, all of the charges were repelled. Then Helu's forces were ambushed by the Tang cavalry from the north. Helu was defeated during Su's surprise attack, and lost most of his soldiers. Turkic tribes loyal to Helu surrendered, and the retreating Helu was captured the next day.^[2]