The Byzantines annexed Cilicia , and even occupied Aleppo itself briefly in 962 .
After that , the new Byzantine commander , Nikephoros Phokas , and his lieutenants spearheaded an offensive that broke Hamdanid power .
The Byzantine annexed Cilicia , and even occupied Aleppo itself briefly in 962 .
After that , the new Byzantine commander , Nikephoros Phokas , and his lieutenants spearheaded an offensive that broke Hamdanid power .