On October 13, 1912, the Greek Army of Thessaly shifted its strategic focus to the occupation of Central Macedonia. Of the divisions engaged in the First Balkan War, the V Infantry Division was directed to maintain its presence in Western Macedonia, assuming responsibility for the protection of the left flank of the army and the stra-tegic advance towards the northwestern regions of the Ottoman Empire. By October 19, the forces of the V Division had advanced as far east as the village of Lofoi, situ-ated to the east of Florina. However, on the 21st of the month, they were confronted by a significant Ottoman military presence in the area. Despite efforts to maintain their position, the Division was compelled to retreat towards the line Sorovits (now Amyntaio) - Eksi Sou (now Xino Nero).

On October 22, while the V Division was engaged in the process of reorganizing its regiments and attempting to enhance the morale of the enlisted personnel, particu-larly within the infantry corps, the Ottoman army initiated an offensive against the Greek defensive positions from the first hours of the morning. At 08:00, an Ottoman convoy approached the village of Eksi Sou but was repulsed by the Division's artillery. Subsequently, from afternoon to evening, the pressure from the Ottoman convoys intensified, with attacks aimed at capturing Sorovitch. Despite the constant opera-tions, the Greeks successfully defended themselves and managed to retain the terri-tories.

On the morning of October 23, the V Division conducted reconnaissance operations, which were met with fire from Ottoman forces and subsequently repulsed. Subse-quently, Ottoman artillery targeted Sorovitz, and by noon, an Ottoman convoy, orig-inating from the Kirli-Derven Pass (now Klidi Pass), advanced towards the area. In response, the V Division launched a frontal attack while simultaneously dispatching the 22nd Regiment to the village of Petres with the objective of engaging the Otto-man forces from a flank position. Despite the considerable pressure exerted by the Ottoman forces, the Greeks managed to maintain control of Sorovitz until the even-ing, demonstrating remarkable determination and fortitude throughout the chal-lenging day.

Despite the persistent efforts of the V Division to maintain the Sorovitz – Eksi Sou line on 21 and October 22, resistance against the strong Ottoman forces could not be maintained any longer. From the early morning hours of the next day, strong Otto-man attacks took place, forcing the V Division to retreat behind the Sorovitz – Eksi Sou line and move southwards.