In order to confront the Türgesh, Ashras assembled the forces of Khurasan and led them to Amul on the Oxus River. A vanguard under Qatan, son of Qutayba ibn Muslim, was sent over the river and established a fortified camp, but with the arrival of the combined native Soghdian and Türgesh armies, the bulk of the Arab force was unable to cross for three months. During this period Qatan's force was beleaguered by the Türgesh, who at the same time crossed the Oxus in small raiding parties.