Mujahideen tactics of ambush prevented Soviets from developing successful counterattacks. The KPA resisted stubbornly with tanks, artillery, mortars, small arms fire and counterattacks. Iraqi reinforcements from Kut launched several counterattacks. The gunboats assisted by protecting the mortars from Confederate counterattacks. These attacks include combos, head-specific counterattacks, and ranged attacks. The battle wavered back and forth with attacks and counterattacks. American casualties were climbing, both from frequent German counterattacks and the cost of storming pillboxes. Instead he used attrition tactics by making piecemeal counterattacks. Egyptian forces reorganised and entrenched themselves in anticipation of Israeli counterattacks. The Confederates quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks led by Brig. Reserve troops following these had to consolidate gains against counterattacks. After defeating Spanish counterattacks, Moncey retreated. Several counterattacks by Ottoman forces during the following days failed. After repeated French counterattacks and a prolonged fight the Allies were thrown back. These field works were designed to allow the use of cavalry counterattacks.