Before taking Marrakech in 1524, the Sa'adian brothers were busy fighting a 'Jihad' on behalf of the Wattaside Sultan of Fes (or so they claimed). This is the reason Leo was sent to help them recruit troops in the Atlas.

Recruiting troops was an essential part of the war effort, as the battle front seemed to bet larger day by day. Not only were there Portuguese to fight on the coasts, but the latter developed allies inland. The most famous of these Allies was Yahya Ben Tafouft, the leader of an independent faction who wreaked havoc, while the Sa'adians were busy recruiting in the mountains.

Originally from the coastal town of Safi, Yahya had become governor of that region, under protection of the Portuguese. The trusted historian El Ifrani describes his accession to power:
"In 1516, they (the two brothers, Ahmed el Aredj and Mohammed esch Cheik) crossed the High Atlas. In those days, a Moroccan named Yahya Ben Taafouft, born in Safi, had converted to Christianity and had claimed the protection of the Portuguese against the Sultan. His personal qualities of valor and courage had called him to the attention of the King of Portugal who gave him the commandment of all Christians and Muslims in the region of Safi" (Al Istiqua, 19)

When the Sa'adians returned to the coast, two great battles ensued, both fought on the "Abda plain". Yahya won both battles.

Following this event, El Aredj raises a fresh army and defeats Yahya, forcing him to retreat into the city of Safi, where he defeated both Yahya and the Portuguese. For more on this go to the Pirate Coast Expedition/Safi.

However, hearing the news of this victory, the Wattasides in Fes became suspicious of the Sa'adians, who had already started fortifying their 'home town': Taroudant.

The fall of Marrakech a few years later would confirm these suspicions, and mark the decline of the Wattaside presence.