He again stormed into Sirmium and laid siege to his uncle in Zimony in spring 1165. Emperor Manuel decided to make a counterattack, but a rebellion by his cousin Andronikos Komnenos prevented him from marching to the Danube. Nevertheless, Manuel I sent envoys to the monarchs who had earlier supported Stephen III, persuading them to remain neutral in the conflict.
In spring 1165, he returned to Sirmium and besieged his uncle in Zimony. Emperor Manuel planned a counterattack but was obstructed by a rebellion from Andronikos Komnenos. Nevertheless, Manuel I dispatched envoys to monarchs who had previously backed Stephen III, encouraging them to remain neutral.