In early July, tensions still mounted as the Druze captured an Egyptian garrison outside of Safed.[5] The local Safed militia of several hundred was heavily outnumbered by the Druze, and the city was gripped in despair as the militia eventually abandoned the city and the Druze rebels entered the city on July 5. The resulting plunder by the Druze rebels, which targeted the Jewish community, lasted for three days.[6] Much of the local population sought refuge in Acre.[3]