While the Muslims were at Fahl, sensing the weak defense of Damascus, Emperor Heraclius sent an army to re-capture the city. This army, however, could not make it to Damascus and was intercepted by Abu Ubaidah and Khalid on their way to Emesa. The army was destroyed in the battle of Maraj-al-Rome and the second battle of Damascus.
At Fahl, the Muslims detected the vulnerable defense of Damascus, prompting Emperor Heraclius to dispatch a force to retake the city. Unfortunately, this army failed to arrive at Damascus and was intercepted by Abu Ubaidah and Khalid en route to Emesa. The army was decisively defeated in the Battle of Maraj-al-Rome and the Second Battle of Damascus.