The guards, who were on duty, were surprised by the arrival of the Mahdist forces. The Mahdi, who was the leader of the Ansar, had arrived with his army. The Mahdi was a religious leader who had united the tribes of Sudan under his banner. He had led his army in a series of victories against the Egyptian and British forces. The Mahdi's army was composed of a large number of men, who were armed with spears, swords, and rifles. The Mahdi's army was also known for its bravery and its determination to fight for its freedom.