Zahir and Ali Bey's forces capture Damascus

In June 1771, Zahir al-Umar, a prominent leader in the Levant, allied with Ali Bey of Egypt and his deputy commanders Ismail Bey and Abu al-Dhahab, launched a significant military campaign against Damascus and Sidon, supported by the Russian Navy. Their forces successfully captured Damascus, marking a pivotal moment in the regional power dynamics. However, the victory was short-lived as Ali Bey's commanders abruptly withdrew, forcing Zahir to retreat from Sidon shortly thereafter. In response, Uthman Pasha al-Kurji, the Wali of Damascus, intensified his efforts to eliminate Zahir. Despite this, Zahir achieved a decisive victory at Lake Hula in September 1771, routing Uthman Pasha's forces. Following this triumph, Zahir continued his military successes, defeating Emir Yusuf Shihab's Druze forces at Nabatieh. By 1774, Zahir's influence had expanded significantly, with his rule stretching from Gaza to Beirut and encompassing most of Palestine. However, in 1775, a coalition of Ottoman forces besieged Zahir at his headquarters in Acre, leading to his death. The subsequent campaign led by Ottoman commander Jazzar Pasha resulted in the destruction of Deir Hanna's fort and the end of Zaydani rule in the Galilee by 1776.