sentences:  Bolstered by reinforcements, in November 1877 General Lazarev launched a new attack on Kars, suppressing the southern forts leading to the city and capturing Kars itself on November 18.In January 1878, Ter-Gukasov was appointed commander of the Akhaltsikhe regiment.Meanwhile, on 19 February 1878 the strategic fortress town of Erzerum was taken by the Russians after a lengthy siege.