Shortly after the failed siege of Mount Tabor, a handful of adventurous crusaders, mainly Hungarians, decided to launch a raid against the castle of Beaufort.

The Hungarian leader, a certain rich nobleman named Dionysus, led a force of 500 cavalry.

The Hungarians set out and arrived in Machghara, located between the mountains, whose seat is approximately halfway between Sidon and Damascus.

On December 15, the Muslims attacked the Hungarians, who were taken by surprise, killing and capturing a large number of men and horses.

During the battle, the Hungarians captured a Muslim prisoner called al-Jamus, and he guided them to a safe route in exchange for his freedom, to which they agreed.