The ruler of Damascus, Mu'in ad-Din Unur,…

The ruler of Damascus, Mu'in ad-Din Unur, has started making feverish preparations for war in response to the arrival of the Crusaders, strengthening the fortifications of Damascus, ordering troops to his city and having the water sources along the road to Damascus destroyed or diverted.

Also fearful of the expanding power of Nur ad-Din and the one Muslim ruler most disposed to cooperate with the Franks, is now forced to seek the aid of his former enemy, who is quick to move toward Damascus.

The forces from the Zengid states will not arrive in time to see combat outside of Damascus.

It is almost certain that the Zengid rulers delayed sending troops to Damascus out of the hope that their rival Unur might lose his city to the crusaders.

The crusaders, having reached a decision on June 24 at the Council of Acre to attack Damascus, had decided to attack the city from the west, where orchards will provide them with a constant food supply.

Having arrived outside the walls of the city, they immediately put it to siege, using wood from the orchards.

On July 27, the crusaders decide to move to the plain on the eastern side of the city, which is less heavily fortified but has much less food and water.