the advance of miaja's force had started on august 5, but its advance was very slow and only occupied small towns like adamuz and pozoblanco. the republican attack against cordoba itself started on august 20. the republican troops reached the gates of cordoba (5 km from the city), but they were beaten back and the attack failed on august 22. according to thomas, the offensive failed because of the skillful use of the italian savoia bombers and because cascajo threatened to execute the family of miaja who were in cordoba. according to beevor, the attack failed because of the incompetence of miaja and the republican professional officers. furthermore, many of miaja's officers were, in fact, nationalist supporters (miaja's adjutant was hoping to cross the lines and, on august 23 one captain, antonio reparaz, deserted with 200 civil guards).