The Zutt Brigandage and Ujayf's War

Al-Baladhuri relates the account of the Zutt in the marshes and the fighting of Ujayf ibn Anbasa against them. ¹

A group of the Zutt of Sind were brought to al-Hajjaj with their families and buffaloes, and he settled them in the lower parts of Kaskar. They took over the marshes (al-Bitah) and multiplied there, and some runaway slaves joined them. They encouraged them to cut the road. In some of the days of al-Ma'mun people avoided passing by them, and what was carried by ship from Basra to Baghdad was cut off. ¹

When al-Mu'tasim became caliph he put Ujayf in charge of fighting them, and added commanders and troops. He posted horses between the marshes and Baghdad to carry news. He cut off their water until they were taken, and none of them escaped. Some were placed at Khanaqin, and the rest were dispersed to 'Ayn Zarba and the frontiers. ¹