Ismaili Assassin Activities and the Siege of Masyaf (1176)

Timeline

1. 1176Azaz · SyriaWhile Saladin besieged Azaz north of Aleppo, Nizari assassins infiltrated his camp and attempted to kill him, wounding only his cheek, his mail protecting him from a fatal blow. Earlier failed attempts occurred in 1174–1175. Sinan considered Saladin's raids on Ismaili villages a threat and used unconventional means to halt his unification of Syria. After the failed attempt, Saladin invaded Nizari territory in July 1176.
2. c. 1176Masyaf Fortress · SyriaSaladin's forces sacked villages around Masyaf before besieging the fortress for about a week without taking it. Ismaili sources claim assassins left a warning dagger and poisoned cake in Saladin's tent, while Sunni chronicles emphasize the approach of Frankish forces forcing Saladin's withdrawal. The two sides reached a de facto truce; Saladin no longer made every effort to eliminate Nizari strongholds, and some assassins later even assisted him against the Crusaders.