The Mongol march was slow, only moving nine miles a day, which allowed the Mamluks to prepare before their arrival.

[2][3] The castle of al-Rahba was well-supplied, garrisoned, and prepared,[4] led by the nai'b, Ibn al-Azkashi.

The Mongols found themselves in a difficult position; they began running out of provisions and fodder.

Mongol sources attribute the failure of the siege to the hot weather.

[6][7] They left all of their siege equipment, and the Mamluk garrison marched out and captured them, taking them to the citadel.