Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which groups took part in attacks on Armenians during the deportations?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Armenian Genocide
Overview of the history and controversy surrounding the Armenian Genocide.
The deportations and mass killings of Armenians during the Armenian Genocide were overseen by Ottoman civil and military officials. The systematic campaign of mass murder that accompanied these forced marches was carried out by several groups, including:12
- Irregular forces: These groups played a significant role in the mass killings throughout the deportation process.12
- Local Kurds: Members of local Kurdish populations participated in the attacks on Armenian civilians.1
- Circassians: Local Circassian groups were also involved in the systematic campaign of violence against the deportees.1
These actions were part of a broader effort by the Young Turk government to remove Armenian populations from Eastern Anatolia during World War I.13