By occasionally allying itself with the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Muslim emirate of Damascus successfully resisted Zengi's efforts to conquer that city.
[2] Raymond II and some of his knights were captured while Fulk recognised the futility of any further resistance and retired into the fortress with the loss of all of the baggage intended for Ba'rin.
With this host approaching the castle, Zengi suddenly granted Fulk and the other besieged Franks terms.
The Franks, unaware of the imminent arrival of the large relieving army, accepted Zengi's offer.
[4] In April 1137, John Comnenus laid siege to Shaizar, but his efforts were unsuccessful when Zengi relieved the city in May.