Fifth Indian Division slowly closed in on Barentu from two directions, facing determined Italian resistance and extensive demolitions. While 29th Brigade advanced from the west, 10th Indian Brigade came from the north and by 28 January they had reached the line of hills just north of Barentu. The Italian commander, Gen. Angelo Bergonzi, directed his troops to throw them back off.

The Italians made two serious efforts to push the Indians off the ridge line, but both attempts failed. The Indians now had positions overlooking Barentu and could call down artillery fire on the garrison town, but they lacked the strength to capture it without the other brigade. For their part, the Italians laid plans to throw their last reserves into one more counter attack.