 Abd al-Wahid's army was composed of some 300,000 Berber troops, ostensibly the largest Berber army ever seen.After a quick consultation, Oqasha and Abd al-Wahid agreed on a joint attack on Kairouan, Oqasha taking his forces along a southerly route, while Abd al-Wahid led his large army through the northern passes, converging on Kairouan from both sides.Hearing of the approach of the great Berber armies, Handhala ibn Safwan realized it was paramount to prevent their junction.