 The Shinpūren successfully assassinated Yasuoka Ryosuke, the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Major General Taneda Masaaki, the commander of the Kumamoto garrison, and Taneda's Chief of Staff.However, the tide of the rebellion turned against the rebels once the garrison's remaining Army officers overcame their surprise at the attack.Officers managed to organize their troops, and the Army's superior numbers and firepower soon decimated the rebels, armed only with traditional swords.