Editing 1271 (section)

==== Levant ====
* February &ndash; Mamluk forces led by Sultan [[Baibars]] continue their territorial expansion in western [[Syria]] and appear before [[Safita|Safita Castle]] (called the [[Chastel Blanc|White Castle]]) built by the [[Knights Templar]]. After a heroic defense, the small garrison is advised by Grand Master [[Thomas Bérard]] to surrender. The survivors are allowed to withdraw to [[Tartus|Tortosa]].<ref name="auto"/>
* [[April 8]] &ndash; [[Fall of Krak des Chevaliers|Siege of Krak des Chevaliers]]: Mamluk forces under Baibars capture the strategically important castle [[Krak des Chevaliers]] from the [[Knights Hospitaller]]. During the siege the defenders receive a letter, supposedly from Grand Master [[Hugues de Revel]], to surrender the castle. Under safe-conduct the Hospitallers retreat to [[Tripoli, Lebanon|Tripoli]].<ref>Kennedy, Hugh (1994). ''Crusader Castles'', pp. 148–150. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|0-521-42068-7}}.</ref>
* May&ndash;June &ndash; Baibars conducts an unsuccessful [[Siege of Tripoli (1271)|siege of Tripoli]], and also fails in an attempted naval invasion of [[Kingdom of Cyprus|Cyprus]]. He sends an Egyptian fleet (some 20 ships) to [[Limassol]], while King [[Hugh III of Cyprus]] ("the Great") has left for [[Acre, Israel|Acre]]. Due to bad weather and seamanship, 11 ships run aground and the crews fall into the hands of the Cypriots.<ref name="auto">[[Steven Runciman]] (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', pp. 278-80. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref>
* [[May 9]] &ndash; English prince [[Edward I of England|the Lord Edward]] and King [[Charles I of Anjou]] arrive in Acre, with a fleet of 30 galleys, starting [[Lord Edward's crusade]] (the Ninth) against Baibars. During this crusade they are unable to capture any territory and peace is quickly negotiated with the [[Mamluk Sultanate]]. Baibars consolidates his occupation in Syria.<ref name="auto"/>
* October &ndash; [[Abaqa Khan]], Mongol ruler of the [[Ilkhanate]], detaches some 10,000 horsemen from [[Anatolia]] to support the Lord Edward in his war against Baibars. They invade Syria and defeat Mamluk forces who protect the region around [[Aleppo]]. The Mongols plunder the cities of [[Maarat al-Numan]] and [[Apamea, Syria|Apamea]].<ref name="auto"/>