Count Orlov, with Catherine's approval, intervenes at this juncture and establishes friendly relations with the two anti-Ottoman rebels.

The Russian fleet provides critical aid in the battle of Sidon and it bombards and occupies Beirut.

The Russians surrender Beirut to the pro-Ottoman emir of Mount Lebanon, Yusuf al-Shihab, only after being paid a large ransom.

Yusuf al-Shihab entrusts the strengthening of Beirut's defenses to Ahmad al-Jazzar in 1773.

When the latter begins to act independently, Yusuf gets into contact with Zahir al-Umar to remove him.

Zahir suggests they enlist the Russians.

The Russian squadron under Captain Ivan Kozhukov blockades and bombards Beirut while Zahir negotiates Jazzar's withdrawal.

The latter then entered Zahir's service only to rebel against him after a few months.

In consequence, the Russians occupy Beirut for a second time to force Yusuf to pay a ransom.

The occupation lasts four months.