 On 8 March 1889 the Ethiopian army arrived within sight of Gallabat, and the attack began in earnest the next day.The wings were commanded by the Emperor's nephews, Ras Haile Maryam Gugsa over the left wing and Ras Mengesha the right.The Ethiopians managed to set the "zariba" alight, and, by concentrating their attack against one part of the defense managed to break through the Mahdist lines into the town.