 They agreed that Malik would betray Dostum, capture Ismail Khan and take control of the city of Mazar-e Sharif.Malik attacked Dostum's forces in Jawzjan on May 22, 1997, and occupied Dostum's stronghold of Sheberghan.Most of Dostum's commanders defected and joined Malik and even some of his air force pilots joined the battle on Malik's side.