'Imad al-Din Zanki prepared an attack on Damascus, whose regent, Anar, persuaded king Fulk to help in the defence, promising hostages, 20,000 gold pieces a month and the return of Banyas. The deterrent worked: when Fulk joined the Damascenes, Zanki retreated, and the operation turned into an attack on Banyas, which was closely besieged by the combined Muslim-Christian army. Raymond of Antioch and Raymond of II Tripoli were summoned to help in the attack