In 1144, Joscelin was able to make an alliance with Kara Arslan, the Artuqid ruler of Diyarbakır, against the growing power and influence of Zengi.

In Jerusalem, Queen Melisende responded to Joscelin's appeal by sending an army led by Manasses of Hierges, Philip of Milly, and Elinand of Bures.

Zengi ordered his men to stop the massacre, although all the Latin prisoners that he had taken were executed; the native Christians were allowed to live freely.

One of Zengi's commanders, Zayn ad-Din Ali Kutchuk, was appointed governor, while Bishop Basil, apparently willing to give his loyalty to whoever ruled the city, was recognized as leader of the Christian population.

Joscelin II continued to rule the remnants of the county to the west of the Euphrates from Turbessel, but little by little, the rest of the territory was captured by the Muslims or sold to the Byzantines.

However, Joscelin's attempt failed, and his fears came true when Nur al-Din's troops massacred the fleeing Armenians and forced the survivors into slavery.

[1] By this time, news of the fall of Edessa reached Europe, and Raymond of Poitiers had already sent a delegation including Hugh, Bishop of Jabala, to seek aid from Eugene III.

This crusade was led by Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany, but by 1148, it had ended in disaster, and Edessa was never recovered.