While Austro-Hungarian diplomatic policy prohibited a general offensive against Montenegro – something XVI Corps was in no position to undertake in any event – the Austrians could still make local attacks across the border. Seeking to outflank the Montenegrin batteries operating from Mount Lovcen – the Black Mountain itself – to shell Cattaro, the lone brigade in the area advanced into the rough ground just west of the looming black mountain.

The Austrian Mountain brigade made little headway into Montenegrin territory, finding the enemy eager to defend their homeland. While the small-scale invasion did draw troops away from Mount Lovcen, the Montenegrins realized that with the Austrians invading to the west, they wouldn’t be climbing the black mountain at the same time, and the rain of shells on Cattaro continued unabated.