Siege of Aleppo

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Siege of Aleppo.
partof=Byzantine-Arab Wars Campaigns of Khalid ibn al-Walid


caption=The city of Aleppo
date=July–October 637 AD
place=Aleppo, Syria
result=Decisive Muslim victory
combatant1=Rashidun Caliphate
combatant2=Byzantine Empire, Ghassanids
commander1=Khalid ibn al-Walid, Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah
commander2=Joachim
strength1=17,000
strength2=Unknown
casualties1=Minimal
casualties2=Unknown but more than Muslims.

The Siege of Aleppo, the Byzantine stronghold and one of few remaining Byzantine castles in the northern Levant after the decisive Battle of Yarmouk, was laid between July and October 637.

Background

After the decisive Battle of Yarmouk, Muslims marched north ward deeper in to the Syria, after conquest of many small and large cities both Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah and Khalid ibn al-Walid met at Qinnasarin, and the army marched to Aleppo, where a strong garrison under a Roman general named Joachim held the fort. Aleppo consisted of a large walled city and a smaller but virtually impregnable fort outside the city atop a hill, a little more than a quarter of a mile across, surrounded by a wide moat.

The Battle

Byzantine commander at Aleppo, Joachim, met the Muslim army under the command of Khalid and Abu Ubaidah in open out side the fort. He was defeated and hastely retreated to the fort. He boldy launched many sallies to break the siege but failed every time. With no signs of any help from the emperor Heraclius, who however, could send none; around October 637, the Romans surrendered on terms according to which the soldiers of the garrison were allowed to depart in peace. Joachim converted to Islam along with his 4000 (strong) Greek soldiers. He proved himself, remarkably able and loyal officer, and fought gallantly under various Muslim generals.Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari. "History of the Prophets and Kings", Vol. 3, p. 98.]

Aftermath

Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah sent a column under Malik bin Ashtar to take Azaz on the route to 'Rome'. The region which the Muslims called Rome included the area which is now Southern Turkey east of the, Taurus Mountains. Malik, assisted by Joachim, captured Azaz and signed a pact with the local inhabitants, whereafter he returned to Aleppo. The capture and clearance of Azaz was essential to ensure that no large Roman forces remained north of Aleppo, whence they could strike at the flank and rear of the Muslims as the next major operation was launched. As soon as Malik bin Ashtar rejoined the army, Abu Ubaidah marched westwards to capture Antioch, which was captured after Battle of Iron bridge on October 30, 637.

References

ources

*A.I. Akram, "The Sword of Allah: Khalid bin al-Waleed, His Life and Campaigns", Nat. Publishing. House, Rawalpindi (1970) ISBN 0-71010-104-X.

External links

* [http://www.swordofallah.com/html/bookhome.htm A.I. Akram, "The Sword of Allah: Khalid bin al-Waleed, His Life and Campaigns" Lahore, 1969]