The Abyssinians only nominally having control over the Haud failed to meet their end of the agreement and this resulted in the Dervish and Ogaden alliance raiding with impunity while the Isaaq and Dhulbahante were unable to avenge the raids due to the British Camel corps restraining them and returning looted Ogaden livestock.

The secretary administrator of British Somaliland, Douglas James Jardine noted that the Isaaq sub clans inhabiting the Haud were in fact militarily superior and stronger than their Ogaden counterparts.

The man to lead the tribal forces was Akil Haji Warabe who himself had previous qaurells with the Mullah.

[3][4] After the bombing campaign of the Taleh fort the Dervish retreated in to the Ogaden territory in Abyssinia and the Mullah was able to attract followers from his tribe.

Haji Warabe assembled an army composed of 3000 Habr Yunis, and 300 Dhulbahante warriors.