 The Timurid Shah Rukh took advantage of the weakened state of the Kara Koyunlu to invade their land, crossing the Aras River and battling the forces of Iskander and Ispend at Yakhsi (28 July 1421 - 1 August 1421).Timurid forces were almost defeated when Amir Shahmalik cut heads of two slain soldiers and tricked both into thinking his brother was killed.Iskander's forces retreated to Kirkuk.