Muhammad took keen interest in capturing Meccan caravans after his migration to Medina, seeing it as repayment for his people, the Muhajirun. A few days before the battle, when he learnt of a Makkan caravan returning from the Levant led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, Muhammad gathered a small expeditionary force to capture it. Though outnumbered more than three to one, the Muslims won the battle, killing at least forty-five Meccans with fourteen Muslims dead. They also succeeded in killing many Meccan leaders, including Abu Jahl. The Muslim victory strengthened Muhammad's position; Medinans eagerly joined his future expeditions and tribes outside Medina openly allied with Muhammad. The battle marked the beginning of the six-year war between Muhammad and his tribe.