They set up an operational base in the Chamla Valley which could be reached via the Ambela Pass, but they were soon bogged down by a numerically superior local force, and were attacked by the Swati, Bunerwal and Hindustani tribesmen.

[7] Reinforcements drafted in by the local Commander-in-Chief eventually pursued a diplomatic resolution, they approached the Bunerwals and various Khans and leaders to accept peace and went on to burn a house in Malka with tribal permission and were conditioned to withdraw from the territory of Buner.

As a result, Chamberlain proceeded to fortify his position in the pass on two rocky outcrops, but Eagle's Nest and Crag Piquet could only hold small numbers of men.

Due to the lowered British morale and high casualties, a repeat of the 1841 disaster at Kabul was feared so a decision was made to withdraw, but still refused by Chamberlain.

[13][8] Reinforcements were gradually drafted in on the orders of Commander-in-Chief Sir Hugh Rose, who replaced Chamberlain with Major General John Garvock on 6 December.