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132-542: Before the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), this mountain town surrounded by pine woods was a prosperous mountain resort nestled in the mountains of the Aley District of Mount Lebanon , overlooking Saint George Bay and Beirut . Being located only a few kilometers away from the district capital of Aley , it is now considered one of Aley's suburbs. The villages that lie between Aley and Souk El Gharb are Bmakine and

264-484: A bomb in a church at Zouk Mikael , of instigating acts of violence, and of committing assassinations during the Lebanese Civil War. Although he was acquitted of the first charge, Geagea was subsequently arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on several different counts, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Rashid Karami in 1987. He was incarcerated in solitary confinement, with his access to

396-575: A disintegrative effect on the country, closely linked to the political polarization that preceded the 1958 Lebanese crisis . Christians mostly sided with the Western world while Muslims, pan-Arabists, and leftists mostly sided with Soviet -aligned Arab countries . Fighting between Lebanese Christian militias and Palestinian insurgents , mainly from the Palestine Liberation Organization , began in 1975 and generated an alliance between

528-521: A motley collection of captured light tanks , Charioteer tanks , M42A1 Duster SPAAGs , APCs, and some models of homebuilt armoured cars from the old Kataeb Regulatory Forces or handed over by the other, recently incorporated Christian factions. Thanks to the steady influx of Israeli aid, it grew from a small battalion to a powerful armoured corps by June 1982, capable of aligning some forty M50 Super Sherman medium tanks, twenty-two Ti-67 TIRAN (Israeli-modified T-54/55s ) MBTs (other sources list

660-467: A negotiated agreement, Bachir Gemayel became the youngest man to ever be elected president of Lebanon . He was elected by the parliament in August; most Muslim members of parliament boycotted the vote. On 3 September 1982, during the meeting, Begin demanded that Bachir sign a peace treaty with Israel as soon as he took office in return for Israel's earlier support of Lebanese Forces and he also told Bachir that

792-519: A position in the four-man cabinet that was subsequently formed. Estimates of the Phalange's membership by Yezid Sayigh and other academic sources put them at a few thousand. Non-academic sources tend to inflate the Phalanges membership. What should be kept in mind was that this insurrection was met with widespread disapproval by many Lebanese who wanted no part in the regional politics and many young men aided

924-616: A ridge that overlooked the key East Beirut districts of Baabda and Yarze , where were located the Presidential Palace and the Lebanese Ministry of Defense complex, respectively. From that ridge, Druze PLA artillery units had a point-blank light of sight to those areas. The Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant general Ibrahim Tannous , tried to get the Americans involved, reasoning with them that they should do so, since

1056-622: A small number of Frog-7 short-range artillery rockets mounted on wheeled 9P113 transporter erector launchers (TEL). These same countries also gave the LF limited quantities of heavy mortars, such as the Israeli-made Soltam M-65 120 mm and M-66 160 mm heavy mortars mounted on ex-IDF half-tracks and modified M113 APCs, and even received from Iraq in 1988 three Soviet 2S4 240mm towed breech-loading heavy mortars , to which were added one or two Chinese-manufactured 240mm mortars

1188-406: A sniper reportedly killed a popular figure in the city, the former Mayor of Sidon , Maarouf Saad . Many non-academic sources claim a government sniper killed Saad; however, there is no evidence to support such a claim, and it appears that whoever had killed him had intended that what began as a small and quiet demonstration to evolve into something more. The sniper targeted Saad right at the end of

1320-431: A total Christian army of 40,000, complete with Israeli-supplied tanks and artillery. LF ground forces' strength by the late 1980s peaked at 14,500 full-time regulars (although other sources list a slightly higher number, about 15,000) and 30,000 part-time reservists, totalling 44,500 men and women equipped with an impressive though disparate arsenal of 100 tanks, 200 APCs and 150 artillery pieces of various types. The LF

1452-579: A total of either thirty-six or forty Ti-67s on the LF inventory), M3/M9 Zahlam half-tracks , M113 and BTR-152 APCs. In addition, twenty T-54/55 tanks were later captured from the Syrian Army in the course of the 1982 Lebanon War , being repaired and subsequently taken into LF service. Following the PLO's withdrawal from west Beirut in October 1982, the LF salvaged seven UR-416 armoured cars left behind by

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1584-531: A war could be fomented toward Israel. They participated in the fighting by directing armed forces against the government security in the city of Tripoli according to Yezid Sayigh 's work. In 1958, President Chamoun was unable to convince the Maronite army commander, Fuad Chehab , to use the armed forces against Muslim demonstrators, fearing that getting involved in internal politics would split his small and weak multi-confessional force. The Phalange militia came to

1716-679: A war with Chamoun, referred to as the War of the Pashas . In 1956, tensions with Egypt escalated when the non-aligned President, Camille Chamoun, did not break off diplomatic relations with the Western powers that attacked Egypt during the Suez Crisis , angering Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser . This was during the Cold War and Chamoun has often been called pro-Western, though he had signed several trade deals with

1848-494: Is disputed) civilians, mostly Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites , with many victims found raped and tortured. The massacre caused great international uproar, especially towards Sharon. Bachir Gemayel’s assassination would demoralize the men of the Lebanese Forces who were sure that with Bachir’s election, peace would prevail throughout the country and that the victory was theirs. The Israeli invasion and their cooperation with

1980-505: Is why in later years the PLO guerrilla factions had found it easy to enter Lebanon and set up bases, as well as take over army barracks on the border with Israel as early as 1968. Early skirmishes saw the army lose control over its barracks to the PLO and lose many soldiers. Even prior to this, president Chamoun was aware of the country's vulnerability to outside forces. His Lebanese pan-Arabist Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Rashid Karami supported Nasser in 1956 and 1958. Lebanese Muslims pushed

2112-552: The Arab states, mainly Iraq but also Saudi Arabia , Jordan , and Egypt . Two rival governments contended for recognition following Amine Gemayel's departure from the Presidency in September 1988, one a mainly Christian government and the other a government of Muslims and Lebanese Leftists. The Lebanese Forces initially supported the military Christian government led by Gen. Michel Aoun ,

2244-664: The BM-21 Grad 122 mm system mounted on Russian Ural-375D (6x6) military trucks (of which eighteen were delivered by Iraq); such MBRLs could also be found installed on the back of Mercedes-Benz Unimog 406 (4x4) light trucks. The LF also employed Chinese Type 63 107 mm towed MBRLs captured from the PLO in 1982 (with some being re-installed on the rear tray of South Korean Keohwa M-5GA1 Jeeps, Israeli-made 'Nun-Nun' Command cars, and on turretless T-54 tanks) as well as Iraqi-supplied Romanian APR-40/Yugoslav RO-40 128mm systems mounted on DAC-665T (6x6) trucks . Iraq also provided

2376-2036: The Beirut International Airport was extensively mined. Lebanese Civil War [REDACTED] Lebanese National Movement [REDACTED] PLO (1975–83) [REDACTED] ASALA [REDACTED] Hezbollah (1985–1990) [REDACTED]   Iran (from 1980, mainly IRGC and Army paramilitary units) [REDACTED] Syria [REDACTED] Lebanese Armed Forces [REDACTED] UNIFIL (from 1978) Multinational Force in Lebanon (1982–1984) [REDACTED] Arab Deterrent Force (1976–1982) [REDACTED] Bachir Gemayel   † [REDACTED] Amine Gemayel [REDACTED] William Hawi   † [REDACTED] Elie Hobeika [REDACTED] Samir Geagea Etienne Saqr [REDACTED] Georges Adwan [REDACTED] Saad Haddad # [REDACTED] Antoine Lahad [REDACTED] Menachem Begin [REDACTED] Ariel Sharon [REDACTED] Rafael Eitan [REDACTED] Avigdor Ben-Gal [REDACTED] Kamal Jumblatt   † [REDACTED] Walid Jumblatt [REDACTED] Inaam Raad [REDACTED] Abdallah Saadeh [REDACTED] Assem Qanso [REDACTED] George Hawi [REDACTED] Elias Atallah [REDACTED] Muhsin Ibrahim [REDACTED] Ibrahim Kulaylat [REDACTED] Ali Eid [REDACTED] Yasser Arafat [REDACTED] George Habash [REDACTED] Hagop Hagopian [REDACTED] Monte Melkonian [REDACTED] Subhi al-Tufayli [REDACTED] Abbas al-Musawi [REDACTED] Michel Aoun Second phase: 1977–1982 Third phase: 1982–1984 Fourth phase: 1984–1990 Cantons and puppet states The Lebanese Civil War ( Arabic : الحرب الأهلية اللبنانية Al-Ḥarb al-Ahliyyah al-Libnāniyyah )

2508-649: The Beqaa Valley in the east; and Druze and Christians populated the country's mountainous areas. At the time, the Lebanese government was under the influence of elites within the Maronite Christian community . The link between politics and religion was reinforced under the French Mandate from 1920 to 1943, and the country's parliamentary structure favoured a leading position for Lebanese Christians, who constituted

2640-542: The Cold War . Chamoun asked for assistance proclaiming that Communists were going to overthrow his government. Chamoun was responding not only to the revolt of former political bosses, but also to the fact that both Egypt and Syria had taken the opportunity to deploy proxies into the Lebanese conflict. Thus the Arab Nationalist Movement (ANM), led by George Habash and later to become the Popular Front for

2772-1128: The Dragunov SVD-63 , Tabuk , M21 , Remington Model 700 , Savage 10FP/110FP , Enfield L42A1 (military version) and Enforcer (Police version) rifles , and the Heckler & Koch PSG1 . A wide variety of handguns models were used, including Smith & Wesson Model 10 , Smith & Wesson Model 13 , Smith & Wesson Model 14 , Smith & Wesson Model 15 , Smith & Wesson Model 17 and Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolvers, Mauser M2 semi-automatic handguns, Walther PPK pistols, Heckler & Koch VP 70 , Heckler & Koch P7 and Heckler & Koch P9 pistols, SIG P210 , SIG-Sauer P220 and SIG-Sauer P225 pistols , Astra A-80 , Astra A-90 and Astra A-100 pistols, Llama M82 pistols, Star 30M, and Star A, B, B Super and P pistols , Star Ultrastar , Star Firestar and Star Megastar pistols, Taurus PT92, PT99 and PT100 pistols , Beretta M1951 pistols, MAB PA-15 pistols , Colt M1911A1 Semi-Automatic Pistols, Para-Ordnance P14-45 (Canadian-produced version of

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2904-642: The Franjieh family in Zgharta , which became allied with Syria after breaking with the Lebanese Front in 1978. Lebanese Forces (militia) The Lebanese Forces ( Arabic : القوات اللبنانية , romanized :  al-Quwwāt al-Lubnāniyya ) was the main Lebanese Christian faction during the Lebanese Civil War . Resembling the Lebanese Front which was an umbrella organization for different parties,

3036-703: The Kataeb Party 's offices in Achrafieh , the LF Headquarters was relocated in August 1976 by Bashir Gemayel to an abandoned hospital at the Karantina neighborhood located east of the Port of Beirut , where it stayed until 1986, before being moved to its final location at the coastal town of Amsheet . By the early 1980s, the LF command had built up a force of some 15,000 well-armed militiamen, and claimed that they could mobilize

3168-572: The Keserwan District . The Lebanese Forces were financed, trained and armed mainly by Israel, though they also received covert military support from France, the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa , Jordan and Iraq . In addition to aid from the Israelis, the LF purchased a large part of their military supplies on the international black market , and also made use of captured stocks from

3300-675: The Lebanese Army units defending Souk El Gharb. Eventually, the Lebanese Army's Eighth Brigade bore the brunt of the attacks, but succeeded in retaining control of the town after three days of heavy fighting. However, it remains an open question whether they would have held it without the American naval support. Much of the town was left in ruins during these hostilities. The PLA seized Souk El Gharb three times over, but failed at each occasion to keep it for long: firstly in September 1983, because of

3432-693: The Lebanese Forces was a militia consisting of fighters originating from the different right-wing parties. It was mainly staffed by Maronite Christians loyal to Bachir Gemayel , and fought against the Lebanese National Movement , the Palestine Liberation Organization , and the Syrian Armed Forces among others. The group gained infamy for their perpetration of the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre , which primarily targeted Palestinian refugees following Gemayel's assassination . A meeting

3564-649: The Lebanese army which had great interests in defending the town due to the strategic importance it holds for the army and the Lebanese government as the town lies on the flanks of the Ministry of Defense and the Presidential Palace. After the retreat, the Lebanese Forces freed up more than 2,500 fighters including elite units to fight on other fronts. On 9 October 1984, Fadi Frem would be replaced as commander in chief by Bachir Gemayel’s nephew Fouad Abou Nader. His election

3696-706: The MILAN (75 missiles and nine launchers were allegedly obtained via South Africa ), the BGM-71 TOW (seized from Lebanese Army stocks) and the AT-3 Sagger . Crew-served and indirect fire weapons included M224 60 mm , M29 81 mm , Type E1 51 mm and 2B14-1 Podnos 82 mm light mortars, plus M2 Carl Gustaf 84 mm , SPG-9 73 mm , B-10 82 mm , B-11 107 mm and M40A1 106 mm recoilless rifles (often mounted on technicals ). The Lebanese Forces' early armoured corps in 1977 inherited

3828-523: The Mossad that same year and eight French-made Zodiac rubber inflatable boats , plus an unspecified number of converted civilian fishing crafts armed with Heavy machine-guns and RPG-7s . In the late 1980s, the LF Command made plans to raise an air wing equipped mainly with light attack helicopters. Several student pilots were sent to Iraq and other countries to attend helicopter pilot courses, and later on

3960-731: The Multinational Force in Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon , were stationed in Lebanon during this time. In 1989, the Taif Agreement marked the beginning of the end for the fighting as a committee appointed by the Arab League began to formulate solutions to the conflict. In March 1991, the Parliament of Lebanon passed an amnesty law that pardoned all political crimes that had been perpetrated prior to

4092-508: The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) guerrilla factions. Between September 1983 and October 1990, General Michel Aoun 's Eighth Brigade managed to repulse the Druze Progressive Socialist Party 's People's Liberation Army (PLA) militia and their allies' attempts to wrestle control of the town. Unfortunately for the local civilian population, it also led to the destruction of much of their town. On 10 August 1989

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4224-659: The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Syrian Army and even the Lebanese Army . Lebanese Forces's militiamen were provided with a variety of small-arms, comprising M1 Garand (or its Italian-produced copy, the Beretta Model 1952 ) and SKS semi-automatic rifles , plus MAT-49 , Škorpion vz. 61 , Carl Gustaf m/45 (or its Egyptian-produced version, dubbed the "Port Said"), Walther MPL , Sterling L2A3/Mark 4 , Spectre M4 , Uzi (MP-2, Mini Uzi and Micro Uzi variants), MAC-10 , MAC-11 (sub-compact version of

4356-481: The Soviet Union (see Gendzier). Nasser had attacked Chamoun because of his suspected support for the U.S. led Baghdad Pact . Nasser felt that the pro-western Baghdad Pact posed a threat to Arab nationalism . President Chamoun looked to regional pacts to ensure protection from foreign armies: Lebanon historically had a small cosmetic army that was never effective in defending Lebanon's territorial integrity, and this

4488-761: The Vichy French forces, left Lebanon in 1946. The Maronites assumed power over Lebanon and economy. A parliament was created in which both Muslims and Christians each had a set quota of seats. Accordingly, the President was to be a Maronite, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. In 1947, the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine led to civil war in Palestine ,

4620-805: The Zastava M70 , Chinese Type 56 , Romanian Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 , Bulgarian AKK/AKKS and former East German MPi-KMS-72 assault rifles). Limited quantities of the AMD-65 , CAR-15 and SIG SG 543 carbines , M16A2, SIG SG 542 , FN CAL , Heckler & Koch HK33 , Heckler & Koch G41 , Heckler & Koch HK53 (Compact version of the HK33) and ArmaLite AR-18 assault rifles were also acquired, being mostly employed by LF elite commando units on special operations. Inevitably, this variety of assault rifles and carbines of different calibres in service within LF combat units naturally caused logistic difficulties to

4752-736: The "Elimination War" on 31 January 1990. On 1 April 1990, following an agreement between Geagea and Hrawi, General Elie Hayek (who had been appointed commander of the Mount Lebanon governorate two weeks prior) was mandated by the executive to begin the transfer of military and political administrations in the Christian enclave from the LF to the West Beirut government. The territories in the Christian North Governorate and East Beirut would still remain under complete LF control, in addition to

4884-565: The 1960s, the center for armed Palestinian activities had been in Jordan. They were forced to relocate after being evicted by King Hussein during the 1970 Black September in Jordan . Fatah and other Palestinian groups attempted to mount a coup in Jordan by incentivizing a split in the Jordanian army , something that the ANM had attempted to do a decade earlier by Nasser's bidding. Jordan responded, and expelled

5016-454: The 30000 reservist 10000 active men strong militia remain intact for the moment. In response, Aoun announced that he would not accept any alliance between the two, and transferring the regions of the Metn was thus impossible due to the raging Elimination War. To further demonstrate his commitment to Taif and willingness to extend civilian administration in "Marounistan", Geagea placed Hayek's bureau at

5148-788: The American naval bombardments; secondly in March 1984, after U.S. troops left Lebanon and because of internal political pressure brought to bear on the PSP/PLA to withdraw from Souk El Gharb; and thirdly in 1987, after the PLA temporarily took control of the area, a quarrel between Druze troops allowed the Lebanese Army's Fifth Brigade to retake the town, which they held until October 13, 1990, when it fell to an alliance of Druze PSP/PLA, Christian Lebanese Forces – Executive Command (LFEC) and Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) militias and Syrian Army troops. Some authors, including Thomas Friedman , have argued that

5280-628: The Arab countries, especially with Saudi Arabia, so that Lebanon can once again play its central role in the economy of the Middle East." In an attempt to fix the relationship between Bachir and Begin, Ariel Sharon held a secret meeting with Bachir in Bikfaya. In this meeting, they both agreed that, after 48 hours, the IDF would cooperate with the Lebanese Army in order to force the Syrian Army out of Lebanon. After that

5412-568: The Cedars , Lebanese Youth Movement , Tyous Team of Commandos ) and formed an umbrella militia known as the Lebanese Forces (LF) which acted in unity, and were politically known as the Lebanese Front coalition. Before 1975, Maronite militias were reportedly supplied by weapons from Bulgaria , and by the onset of the war were receiving support from Iraq , Jordan , Pahlavi Iran , West Germany , Israel, and Saudi Arabia , who temporarily cut off their funding after Black Saturday . This funding enabled

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5544-609: The Chouf. In later stages of the battle, the Lebanese Army loyal to President Amin Gemayel 's government relieved the LF and took over the positions that they had held onto in Chouf. Baabda lay downhill on the Beirut -Aley- Damascus highway, and any militia forces advancing from the south had to pass through Souk El Gharb in order to get into the Beirut-Aley road. Moreover, Souk El Gharb controlled

5676-406: The Christian militias under Gemayel's command. This operation resulted in a massacre of tens of Tigers' members at the Marine beach resort in Safra , 25 km north of Beirut . Camille Chamoun's silence was interpreted as acceptance of Gemayel's controls, because he felt that the Tigers led by his son were getting out of his control. In 1981 at Zahlé in the Beqaa, the largest Christian town in

5808-551: The East, confronted one of the biggest battles – both military and political – between the Lebanese Forces and the Syrian occupying forces. The Lebanese Forces was able to confront them even though there was a big mismatch in military capabilities and was able to reverse the result of the battle of 1981. This victory was due to the bravery of the inhabitants and 92 Lebanese Forces soldiers (L.F Special Forces: The Maghaweer) sent from Beirut. The Syrian occupying forces used all kind of weapons (e.g., heavy artillery, tanks, war planes) against

5940-415: The Government Forces, they received four French DEFA D921/GT-2 90mm anti-tank guns (mounted on M3/M9 half tracks ), ZiS-3 76.2mm anti-tank guns (mounted on GAZ-66 trucks) and BF-50 (M-50) 155mm Howitzers and M-30 122mm (M-1938) Howitzers from the Israelis, followed in the 1980s by D-44 85 mm anti-tank guns , M-46 130mm (M-1954) , Type 59-1 130 mm (a Chinese-made gun derivered from

6072-421: The IDF would stay in South Lebanon if the Peace Treaty was not directly signed. Bachir was furious with Begin and told him that the Lebanese Forces did not fight for seven years and he also told Begin that they did not sacrifice thousands of soldiers to free Lebanon from the Syrian Army and the PLO so that Israel could take their place. The meeting ended in rage and both sides were not happy with each other. Begin

6204-499: The Israeli invasion of 1982 and was replaced by the Lebanese National Resistance Front , known as Jammoul in Arabic. Throughout the war most or all militias operated with little regard for human rights, and the sectarian character of some battles, made non-combatant civilians a frequent target. As the war dragged on, the militias deteriorated ever further into mafia -style organizations, with many commanders turning to crime as their main occupation rather than fighting. Finances for

6336-410: The Israeli invasion, the IDF troops settled in the Chouf and Aley from party militias, the Lebanese Forces returned to the Christian villages which had been occupied by the PSP for seven years, and many Christian civilians from the districts returned after having fled earlier in the war. However, soon after, clashes broke out between the Lebanese Forces and the Druze militias who had now taken over

6468-424: The LF HQ in Jounieh. Following the defeat and surrender of Aoun at Baabda on 13 October 1990, the LAF under Hayek's command began extending its influence South into the Metn and Baabda. On 30 April 1991 – final date imposed by the government for the total surrender of weapons and heavy artillery – all LF areas were ceded to the army command for the first time since 1975. After Aoun surrendered on 13 October 1990 to

6600-570: The LF a number of M88A1 medium recovery vehicles , which served alongside some M578 light recovery vehicles seized from the Lebanese Army and captured VT-55KS Armoured Recovery Vehicles from the Syrian Army. Ratrack dual track snow coaches were employed by the LF in the snowy environment of Mount Lebanon mountains. The LF fielded three ex-US Army XM523E2 Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET) to transport its medium tanks and MBTs. The LF also fielded an impressive artillery corps. Starting with some British QF Mk III 25-Pounder field guns seized from

6732-509: The LF had captured in 1982 following the Israeli invasion. Soviet KPV 14.5mm, ZPU (ZPU-1, ZPU-2, ZPU-4) 14.5mm and ZU-23-2 23mm AA autocannons , British Bofors 40mm L/60 anti-aircraft guns and Soviet AZP S-60 57 mm anti-aircraft guns (mostly mounted on technicals , M113 and BTR-152 APCs and M3/M9 half-tracks) were employed in both air defense and direct fire supporting roles. Man-portable, shoulder-launched Soviet SA-7 Grail surface-to-air missiles (SAM) were also used by

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6864-414: The LF led the battle against the PLO which was still present in South Lebanon as well as Nabih Berri ’s Lebanese Shia militia, the Amal Movement and Walid Jumblatt ’s Druze militia People’s Liberation Army (Lebanon) . The battle would end with the withdrawal of the Lebanese Forces on 24 April as announced by Samir Geagea two days earlier. LF troops were allowed to leave for East Beirut by sea leaving from

6996-513: The LF's supply corps, so the LF Command decided after 1986 to simplify its small-arms inventory by standardizing on the FN FAL, M16A1, and AKM assault rifles for its infantry units, though this still posed problems in providing ammunition and replacement parts up to the end of the War. Shotguns consisted of Mossberg 500 12-gauge (20.2 mm), Remington Model 870 Police Magnum 12-gauge (20.2 mm) and Franchi SPAS-12 semi-automatic models. Sniper rifles were commonly used, and models included

7128-408: The LF, possibly obtained from Iraq. Apart from its ground forces, the LF maintained a naval branch equipped with over a dozen sea crafts of various types. The inventory comprized two British-made Fairey Marine Tracker MkII Class patrol boats previously seized from the Lebanese Navy in January 1980, two Israeli-made Dvora-class fast patrol boats and five Dabur-1 class patrol boats acquired via

7260-454: The Land-Rover series III), Morattab Series IV (Iranian-produced unlicensed version of the Land-Rover long wheelbase series III), Toyota Land Cruiser (J40/J42) , Chevrolet C-10/C-15 Cheyenne and Chevrolet C-20 Scottsdale light pickup trucks , Dodge D series (3rd generation) and Dodge Power Wagon W200 pickup trucks, Israeli-produced AIL M325 Command Cars ('Nun-Nun'), and Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 and 416 light trucks (captured from

7392-473: The Lebanese Forces and on 15 January 1986, attacked Hobeika's headquarters in Karantina . Hobeika surrendered and fled, first to Paris and subsequently to Damascus , Syria . He then moved to Zahlé with tens of his fighters where he prepared for an attack against East Beirut. On 27 September 1986, Hobeika's forces tried to take over the Achrafieh neighborhood of Beirut but the Lebanese Forces of Geagea's command held them back. This failed attempt by Hobeika

7524-428: The Lebanese Forces back to its original path and away from Amin Gemayel’s control. Leading up to the rebellion, President Amin Gemayel’s rapprochement with Damascus, as well as his treatment of the Lebanese Forces, had caused major dissatisfaction among the ranks of the Lebanese Forces which had been growing for years at that point. Amin Gemayel ordered Geagea to remove the Barbara checkpoint north of Beirut which oversaw

7656-419: The Lebanese Forces taking Bachir’s place as the latter was expected to assume his term as president. Fadi Frem was a known advocate of federalism and went as far as to travel to the US to advocate for its implementation in Lebanon. Nine days before he was to take office, on 14 September 1982, Bachir was assassinated along with 25 others when a bomb exploded in the Kataeb headquarters in Achrafieh . The attack

7788-410: The Lebanese National Movement wished to bring about a more secular and democratic order, but as this group increasingly included Islamist groups, encouraged to join by the PLO, the more progressive demands of the initial agenda was dropped by January 1976. Islamists did not support a secular order in Lebanon and wished to bring about rule by Muslim clerics. These events, especially the role of Fatah and

7920-408: The Lebanese government allowed many displaced Christians to return to areas they had previously been expelled from. These areas include the Druze majority mountain from where Christians had been expelled following the massacres that followed Kamal Jumblatt ’s assassination by Syria. Other areas consist of the coastal Chouf, including the town of Damour, and southern villages, such as Aishiyeh . After

8052-410: The Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and a faction of the PLO, were deployed to Lebanon by Nasser. The ANM were a clandestine militia implicated in attempted coups against both the Jordanian monarchy and the Iraqi president throughout the 1950s at Nasser's bidding. The founding members of Fatah , including Yasser Arafat and Khalil Wazir , also flew to Lebanon to use the insurrection as a means by which

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8184-810: The M1911A1 pistol), FN Browning Hi-Power pistols , FN Browning BDM pistols , FN Browning BDA380 pistols , FN Browning HP-DA/BDA9 pistols , Tokarev TT-33 pistols , Makarov PM/PMM pistols , and CZ 52 , CZ 75 , CZ 82/83 and CZ 85 pistols. Squad weapons consisted of Rheinmetall MG 3 , Heckler & Koch HK21 , AA-52 , RPK , RPD , PK/PKM , M60 and FN MAG light machine guns, with heavier Browning M1919A4 .30 Cal , Browning M2HB .50 Cal , SG-43/SGM Goryunov and DShKM machine guns being employed as platoon and company weapons. Grenade launchers and portable anti-tank weapons were also widely employed, including M203 grenade launchers , CMS B-300 83 mm , M72 LAW , RPG-7 and M47 Dragon anti-tank rocket launchers . Anti-tank guided missile systems comprised

8316-519: The MAC-10), Heckler & Koch MP5 and Heckler & Koch MP5K (shortened version of the MP5) submachine guns . An undisclosed number of OTs-02 Kiparis SMGs were reportedly obtained from Russia in the early 1990s, though it remains unclear if they were ever used in action by the LF. Several models of assault rifles were employed, such as M16A1 , FN FAL (variants included the Israeli-produced 'lightened' ROMAT ), Heckler & Koch G3 , Vz. 58 , AK-47 and AKM (other variants included

8448-407: The Ottoman Empire (1908–1922) the French invaders took control of the area under what they called the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon under the League of Nations . The French created the state of Greater Lebanon as a safe haven for the Maronites, but included a large Muslim population within the borders. In 1926, Lebanon was declared a republic, and a constitution was adopted. However,

8580-494: The PLO / Fatah to transform the Western Part of Beirut into its stronghold. Fatah constituted 80% of the membership of the PLO and Fatah guerrillas now controlled most of its institutions. The PLO had taken over the heart of Sidon and Tyre in the early 1970s. It controlled great swathes of south Lebanon, in which the indigenous Shiite population had to suffer the humiliation of passing through PLO checkpoints and now they had worked their way by force into Beirut. The PLO did this with

8712-879: The PLO in 1982). For logistical support, pickups and light, medium and heavy transportation trucks were employed, mostly Toyota Land Cruiser (J42) hardtop , Toyota Land Cruiser (J45) , Toyota Land Cruiser (J70) hardtop , AIL M325, M880/M890 Series CUCV , Chevrolet C-20, and Datsun 620 Custom 1976 pickup trucks , Unimog light trucks, GAZ-66 , Chevrolet C-50 medium-duty , Dodge F600 medium-duty and GMC C4500 medium-duty trucks , and GMC C7500 heavy-duty cargo trucks , US M35A1/A2 2½-ton (6x6) military trucks , M813 5-ton (6x6) cargo trucks and Faun L912/21-MUN heavy cargo trucks . In addition, AIL M325 ambulance version cars, Chevrolet/GMC G-Series third generation vans , Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter minibuses and Nissan Patrol 160-Series (3rd generation) 5-door wagon/vans were used as military ambulances. The Israelis also provided to

8844-820: The PLO in West Beirut early in 1982, which they employed in their battles for control of east Beirut during the Elimination War in January–October 1990 . Besides tracked and wheeled AFVs, the LF also relied on a wide range of softskin, all-terrain military and 'militarized' civilian vehicles for both troop and supply transport. Like many other Lebanese militias, the LF continued to field a sizable force of gun trucks and technicals armed with Heavy Machine-guns, recoilless rifles , Anti-Aircraft autocannons , anti-tank rockets and light MBRLs . The light vehicles employed in this role included Soviet UAZ-469 , US M151A1/A2 jeeps , US Willys M38A1 MD and South Korean Kia KM410 and Keohwa M-5GA1 jeeps, to Land Rover Series II-III , Santana Series III (Spanish-produced version of

8976-446: The Palestinian forces into Lebanon. When they arrived, they created "a State within the State". This action was not welcomed by the Lebanese government, and this shook Lebanon's fragile sectarian balance. Solidarity with the Palestinians was expressed by the Lebanese Sunni Muslims, with the aim to change the political system from one of consensus amongst different sects, towards one where their power share would increase. Certain groups in

9108-528: The Palestinians and Lebanese Muslims, pan-Arabists, and leftists. The conflict deepened as foreign powers, namely Syria , Israel , and Iran , became involved and supported or fought alongside different factions. Over the course of the conflict, these alliances shifted rapidly and unpredictably. While much of the fighting took place between opposing religious and ideological factions, there was significant conflict within some faith communities, especially amongst both Christians and Shias. Peacekeeping forces, such as

9240-459: The Phalange in their suppression of the insurrection, especially as many of the demonstrators were little more than proxy forces hired by groups such as the ANM and Fatah founders as well as being hired by the defeated parliamentary bosses. In the 1960s Lebanon was relatively calm, but this soon changed. Fatah and other Palestinian Liberation Organization factions had long been active among the 400,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanese camps. Throughout

9372-442: The Souk El Gharb College of Lebanon, the Souk El Gharb Technical Institute and College, the Souk el Gharb School for English Instruction, and the Souk El Gharb Boarding School for Boys. In addition to these schools, Souk El Gharb also houses the Balamand university. Souk El Gharb has been inhabited since ancient times, as attested by the Roman vestiges found in the town area. Most of its historical buildings date back at least from

9504-540: The Soviet M-46), eighteen BS-3 100mm (M-1944) , eighteen D-30 122 mm (some re-mounted on turretless T-54 tanks) and D-20 152 mm Howitzers of Soviet origin supplied by Israel, Jordan and Iraq. A number of FH-70 155 mm howitzers were also seized from the Lebanese Army in February 1984. The two latter Countries also provided to the LF substantial quantities of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs), notably

9636-700: The Syrian army out of the Rizk Building. At this time, Israel was the primary backer of the Lebanese Front's militia. In July 1980, following months of intra-Christian clashes between the Tigers, the militia of Dany Chamoun , and the Phalangists, who by now were under the complete leadership of Bachir Gemayel , the Phalangists launched an operation in an attempt to stop the clashes within the Christian areas, and to unite all

9768-573: The Syrian army, but then agreed to the Taif Agreement , which was signed by the Lebanese deputies on 24 October 1989 in Saudi Arabia and demanded an immediate ceasefire . Aoun's main objection to the Taif Agreement was its vagueness as to Syrian withdrawal from the country. He rejected it vowing that he "would not sign over the country." Fierce fighting in East Beirut broke out between the two, called

9900-573: The Syrian shelling and attacking of Eastern Beirut for about three months before an Arab-brokered agreement forced the Syrians to end the siege. Syrians took high buildings such as Burj Rizk Achrafieh and Burj El Murr using snipers and heavy weapons against civilians. The soldiers stayed for 90 days. Another major clash took place near the Sodeco area in Achrafieh where the Lebanese Forces fought ferociously and drove

10032-496: The Syrians launched a massive and sustained artillery barrage on the positions held by Lebanese Army units loyal to General Michel Aoun , followed three days later by a PSP/PLA ground offensive against their positions in Souk El Gharb overlooking the presidential palace at Baabda and the Ministry of Defence at Yarze . The assault was repulsed with 20–30 PSP/PLA men being killed. In June 2005, parliamentary elections were held in

10164-421: The Syrians were backing the anti-government militias. At first, the Americans refused but eventually agreed when they were told that Souk El Gharb was in danger of being overrun. The nuclear-powered missile cruiser USS Virginia , and the destroyer USS John Rodgers , the frigate USS Bowen , and the destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford fired 338 rounds from their five-inch (127 mm) naval guns in support of

10296-545: The Tripoli Islamist movement known as Tawhid, in changing the agenda being pursued by many groups, including Communists. This ragtag coalition has often been referred to as left-wing, but many participants were actually very conservative and had religious elements that did not share any broader ideological agenda. Rather, they were brought together by the short-term goal of overthrowing the established political order, each motivated by their own grievances. These forces enabled

10428-583: The area, handing the best tactical positions over to the Druze militias and their allies as punishment for the Christians' refusal to sign the 17 May peace agreement with Israel, and leaving the Christian forces to fight. At the same time, a small number of ill-equipped Lebanese Forces troops also fought battles against the Palestinian and Druze militias and the Syrian troop east of the southern city of Sidon . The outcome

10560-548: The assistance of so-called volunteers from Libya and Algeria shipped in through the ports it controlled, as well as a number of Sunni Lebanese groups who had been trained and armed by PLO/ Fatah and encouraged to declare themselves as separate militias. However, as Rex Brynen makes clear in his publication on the PLO, these militias were nothing more than "shop-fronts" or in Arabic "Dakakin" for Fatah, armed gangs with no ideological foundation and no organic reason for their existence, except

10692-403: The canton, in Maronite towns and villages no garbage littered the streets, gas was one-fifth the price charged in West Beirut and the price of bread was controlled to levels comparable to pre-war pricing. Maronite Christian militias acquired arms from Romania and Bulgaria as well as from West Germany, Belgium and Israel, and drew supporters from the larger Maronite population in the north of

10824-442: The city of Sidon on 16 February 1985. For the region this meant renewed fighting as the Israelis served as buffer between the local militias preventing them from fighting. The Lebanese Forces in the region, led by regional commander Nazar Najarian, had chosen to be loyal to the new Lebanese Forces management under Samir Geagea and Elie Hobeika in their fight for control of the leadership of the Christian community against Amine Gemayel.

10956-539: The commander of the Lebanese Army. However, clashes erupted between the Lebanese Forces and the Lebanese Army under the control of Michel Aoun on 14 February 1989. These clashes were stopped, and after a meeting in Bkerké , the Lebanese Forces handed the national ports which it controlled to Aoun's government under pressure from the Lebanese National Army. Geagea initially supported Aoun's " Liberation War " against

11088-527: The constitution was suspended in 1932. Various factions sought unity with Syria, or independence from the French. In 1936, the Maronite Phalange party was founded by Pierre Gemayel . World War II and the 1940s brought great change to Lebanon and the Middle East. Lebanon was promised independence, which was achieved on 22 November 1943. Free French troops, who had invaded Lebanon in 1941 to rid Beirut of

11220-467: The country, they were generally right-wing in their political outlook, and all the major Christian militias were Maronite -dominated, and other Christian sects played a secondary role. Initially, the most powerful of the Maronite militias was the National Liberal Party, locally known as "Ahrar", who were politically led by the former president Camille Chamoun . The NLP had its own militia which

11352-455: The demonstration as it was dissipating. Farid Khazen, sourcing the local histories of Sidon academics and eyewitnesses, gives a run-down of the puzzling events of the day that based on their research. Khazen reveals, based on the Sidon academic's work, that Saad was not in dispute with the fishing consortium made up of Yugoslav nationals. The Yugoslavian representatives in Lebanon had negotiated with

11484-649: The departing Palestinian forces, from which one vehicle was later captured by the Popular Nasserist Organization (PNO) militia during the battle for the Sidon bridgehead in 1985. The collapse of the Lebanese Army 's 4th Infantry Brigade in February 1984 allowed the LF to make up for their own losses incurred in the 1983-84 Mountain War by seizing seven M48A5 MBTs, five AMX-13 light tanks, twelve Panhard AML-90 armoured cars, and some M113 APCs. Later in

11616-445: The differences between the fishermen and the consortium, and his acceptance of a place on the board made him a target of attack by the conspirator, who sought a full conflagration around the small protest. The events in Sidon were not contained for long. The government began to lose control of the situation in 1975. In the run-up to the war and its early stages, militias tried to be politically orientated non-sectarian forces, but due to

11748-470: The districts and had earlier kicked out the Christian inhabitants. The main Druze militiamen came from the Progressive Socialist Party , led by Walid Jumblatt , in alliance with the Syrian Army and Palestinian militants who had not departed Lebanon in 1982. For months, the two fought what would later be known as the "Mountain War." At the peak of the battle, Israeli troops infamously abandoned

11880-503: The end of Mandatory Palestine , and the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948. The ongoing civil war was transformed into a state conflict between Israel and the Arab states in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War . This led to Palestinian refugees crossing the border into Lebanon. In July 1958, Lebanon was threatened by a civil war between Maronite Christians and Muslims. President Camille Chamoun had attempted to break

12012-570: The end, the only action the Lebanese Forces would take during the Israeli invasion of Beirut would be the battle against the Syrian forces occupying the Lebanese University - Faculty of Science in Hadath. The Lebanese Forces would come out victorious successfully expelling the Syrian forces from the university. After the PLO had been expelled from the country and moved its headquarters to Tunisia, in

12144-438: The era of Ottoman rule in the 16th century. The town itself was the scene of several notable fierce battles during the Lebanese Civil War , its notability arising from being actually held for a long time by the Lebanese Army rather than a particular Lebanese militia. This was sometimes achieved against great odds, by facing strong pressure from Lebanese Muslim militias backed both by Syrian Army forces stationed at Lebanon and

12276-576: The fact their individual members were put on the PLO/ Fatah payroll. In February 1975, the strike by fishermen at Sidon could be considered the first important episode that set off the outbreak of hostilities. That event involved a specific issue: the attempt of former President Camille Chamoun, also the head of the Maronite-oriented National Liberal Party, to monopolize fishing along the coast of Lebanon. The injustices perceived by

12408-404: The fisherman's union to make the fishermen shareholders in the company. The company offered to modernize the fishermen's equipment, buy their catch, and give their union an annual subsidy. Saad, as a union representative, and not the mayor of Sidon at the time as many erroneous sources claim, was offered a place on the company's board. There has been some speculation that Saad's attempts to narrow

12540-482: The fishermen evoked sympathy from many Lebanese, and reinforced the resentment and antipathy that were widely felt against the state and the economic monopolies. The demonstrations against the fishing company were quickly transformed into a political action supported by the political left and their allies in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The state tried to suppress the demonstrators, and

12672-629: The formal end of the hostilities in 1990. In 1860, a civil war between Druze and Maronites erupted in the Ottoman Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon . The war resulted in the massacre of about 10,000 Christians and at least 6,000 Druzes. World War I was hard for the Lebanese. Most of the Arabs fought in the Ottoman army against the British and French invaders. With the defeat and dissolution of

12804-463: The government to join the newly created United Arab Republic , a country formed out of the unification of Syria and Egypt, while the majority of Lebanese and especially the Maronites wanted to keep Lebanon as an independent nation with its own independent parliament. President Camille Chamoun feared the toppling of his government and asked for U.S. intervention. At the time the United States was engaged in

12936-463: The installment of a "group command" over a single commander in chief. Geagea’s forces would arrive from the North facing absolutely no resistance. The relationship between Geagea and Hobeika soon broke down, however, and Hobeika began secret negotiations with the Syrians. On 18 March 1985, clashes began pitting the Palestinian militants and their local Lebanese Muslim allies against the local Christians in

13068-553: The law's time of enactment. In May 1991, all of the armed factions that had been operating in Lebanon were dissolved, excluding Hezbollah , an Iran-backed Shia Islamist militia . Though the Lebanese Armed Forces slowly began to rebuild as Lebanon's only major non-sectarian armed institution after the conflict, the federal government remained unable to challenge Hezbollah's armed strength . Religious tensions, especially between Shias and Sunnis , persisted across Lebanon since

13200-408: The majority of the population. However, Lebanon's Muslims comprised a large minority and the influx of thousands of Palestinians —first in 1948 and again in 1967 —contributed to Lebanon's demographic shift towards an eventual Muslim majority. Lebanon's Christian-dominated government had been facing increasing opposition from Muslims, pan-Arabists , and left-wing groups . The Cold War also exerted

13332-425: The militia leaders were wary of the increased Syrian presence. During this meeting, the Lebanese Forces would be founded with Bachir Gemayel elected as its leader. This new Lebanese Forces militia was meant to centralize the right-wing Christian forces, improve organization, and would allow to later bring end to years of infighting that had been going between the different right-wing militias. Christian East Beirut

13464-528: The newly formed Lebanese Forces militia to establish itself in Maronite-dominated strongholds, and rapidly transformed from an unorganized and poorly equipped militia into a fearsome armed group that now had its own armor, artillery, commando units (SADM), a small Navy, and a highly advanced Intelligence branch. Meanwhile, in the north, the Zgharta Liberation Army served as the private militia of

13596-572: The outside world severely restricted. Amnesty International criticized the conduct of the trials and demanded Geagea's release, and Geagea's supporters argued that the Syrian-controlled Lebanese government had used the alleged crimes as a pretext for jailing Geagea and banning an anti-Syrian party. Many members of the Lebanese Forces were arrested and brutally tortured in the period of 1993–1994. At least one died in Syrian custody and many others were severely injured. Initially allocated at

13728-576: The passage between territory still under the control of the Lebanese government and territory occupied by the Syrian army. Geagea, who staunchly opposed Syria, would refuse leading to the Kataeb political bureau’s decision to remove him from the party on 11 March. Commander in Chief at the time, Fouad Abou Nader, would agree to step down and give up his leadership to join the rebellion against President Gemayel and avoid violence between Christians. This uprising would see

13860-667: The port Jiyeh north of Sidon while others left for the Christian town of Jezzine where the South Lebanon Army was based. The Battle of East Sidon and its result saw the displacement of more than 60,000 Christians from the region. On 28 December 1985, Elie Hobeika signed the Tripartite Accord , against the wishes of Geagea and most of the other leading Christian figures. Claiming that the Tripartite Accord gave Syria unlimited power in Lebanon, Geagea mobilized factions inside

13992-504: The president's aid instead to bring a final end to the road blockades which were crippling the major cities. Encouraged by its efforts during this conflict, later that year, principally through violence and the success of general strikes in Beirut, the Phalange achieved what journalists dubbed the "counterrevolution". By their actions the Phalangists brought down the government of Prime Minister Karami and secured for their leader, Pierre Gemayel ,

14124-415: The rival Syrian-backed President Hrawi, Geagea was offered ministerial posts in the new government. He refused several times, because he was opposed to Syrian interference in Lebanese affairs, and his relationship with the new government deteriorated. On 23 March 1994, the Lebanese government headed by Rafic Hariri ordered the dissolution of the LF. On 21 April 1994, Geagea was arrested on charges of setting

14256-517: The sectarian nature of Lebanese society, they inevitably gained their support from the same community as their leaders came from. In the long run almost all militias openly identified with a given community. The two main alliances were the Lebanese Front, consisting of nationalist Maronites who were against Palestinian militancy in Lebanon, and the Lebanese National Movement, which consisted of pro-Palestinian Leftists. The LNM dissolved after

14388-411: The stranglehold on Lebanese politics exercised by traditional political families in Lebanon. These families maintained their electoral appeal by cultivating strong client–patron relations with their local communities. Although he succeeded in sponsoring alternative political candidates to enter the elections in 1957, causing the traditional families to lose their positions, these families then embarked upon

14520-583: The town for the first time since the withdrawal of Syrian Army troops from Lebanon. One resident put it in this way: "For me, ballot box battles are for sure much better than gunbattles..." Souk El-Gharb figured prominently in the Civil War years, but during this particular timeframe the town attracted worldwide attention due to the involvement of the United States Navy in the Mountain War , whose backdrop

14652-599: The town, and they cut all kind of backup that may come from the Mountain. Regardless of the very bad weather and heavy bombing, convoys were sent in the snow to Zahle. Two Lebanese Forces soldiers died on a hill due to bad weather, they were found later holding each other till they died (Fouad Nammour and George Nakhle). The battle of Zahle gave the Lebanese Cause a new perspective in the International Communities, and

14784-463: The two Ains (the modern spelling in Lebanese Arabic is a'ayn ): Ain el-Sayydé ("Our Lady's spring"), and Ain el-Rimmané ("The spring of the pomegranate"). South of Souk El Gharb is located the village of Kaifun . The inhabitants of Souk El Garb are predominantly Greek-Catholics and Greek-Orthodox Christians. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1975, the town, along with neighboring Aley,

14916-446: The use of the naval bombardments was the turning point in which the U.S. military forces of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF) contingent began to be perceived as active participants in the ongoing civil war rather than neutral peacekeepers, which made them vulnerable to retaliation. Much use was made of landmines in the vicinity of the town and demining is an ongoing concern. One strategic position known as Hill 888, overlooking

15048-519: The victory was both military and diplomatic. It made the Leadership of President Bashir Gemayel much stronger because of his leadership and important role in this battle. The battle started in April the 2nd 1981, and finished with a cease fire and Lebanese Police were sent to Zahle. The 92 Lebanese Forces heroes returned to Beirut on 1 July 1981. Israel invaded Lebanon , arguing that a military intervention

15180-403: The villages of East Sidon caused by the kidnapping of three local Christians. The area which had been under the control Israelis saw the introduction of Lebanese Forces militants who installed themselves in the previously defenseless Christian villages that feared the same fate as Christians in the mountain two years earlier. This fear came reality as clashes began after Israeli forces withdrew from

15312-530: The war effort were obtained in one or all of three ways: As central government authority disintegrated and rival governments claimed national authority, the various parties/militias started to create comprehensive state administrations in their territory. These were known as cantons , Swiss-like autonomous provinces. The best known was " Marounistan ", which was the Phalangist/Lebanese Forces territory. The Progressive Socialist Party's territory

15444-613: The war, sixty-four T-54A, T-55A and T-62 tanks, along with fifty M113 APCs modified as mortar carriers (captured from the Islamic Republic of Iran Army during the Iran-Iraq War ) and eighteen BTR-60PB (8x8) APCs were received from Iraq via Jordan in 1986–89; a few M577 command vehicles , AMX-VCI and Panhard M3 VTT armoured personnel carriers were also seized from the Lebanese Army in 1990. The LF also fielded three Soviet-built ZSU-23-4M1 Shilka SPAAGs captured from

15576-483: Was a multifaceted armed conflict that took place from 1975 to 1990. It resulted in an estimated 150,000 fatalities and led to the exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon . The religious diversity of the Lebanese population played a notable role in the lead-up to and during the conflict: Lebanese Christians and Lebanese Sunni Muslims comprised the majority in the coastal cities; Lebanese Shia Muslims were primarily based throughout southern Lebanon and in

15708-552: Was a popular tourist destination for wealthy Arab outsiders from the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf , who used to own luxurious villas there where they spent the summers, escaping the heat and humidity in their own countries. Souk El Gharb was famous for housing several important schools and teaching institutions in Lebanon, including: the Souk El Gharb Presbyterian School (alumni include Abraham Rihbany ),

15840-474: Was also a Progressive Socialist Party victory and a contiguous Druze Chouf district with access to Lebanese sea ports. Jumblatt's militia then overstepped itself by advancing further into Souk El Gharb , a village also held by the Lebanese Forces. After fierce battles and severe casualties the attackers were pushed back. However, the Lebanese Forces eventually handed over their positions in Souk El Gharb to

15972-588: Was carried out by Habib Shartouni , a member of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP), believed by many to have acted on instructions of the Syrian government of President Hafez al-Assad . The next day, Israel moved to occupy the city, allowing Phalangist members under a young Elie Hobeika's command to enter the centrally located Sabra and the Shatila refugee camp ; a massacre followed, in which Phalangists killed between 800 and 3,500 (number

16104-600: Was convened by members of the Lebanese Front on 30 August 1976. The success of the Siege of Tal al-Zaatar being due to the combined forces of the Tigers Militia , Kataeb Regulatory Forces , Lebanese Youth Movement (MKG) , Al-Tanzim , and the Guardians of the Cedars convinced the Lebanese Front leaders, especially Etienne Saqr and Bachir Gemayel , that a unitary militia was needed to further face their enemies. Most importantly

16236-523: Was done, the IDF would peacefully leave Lebanese territory. Concerning the Peace Negotiations, Sharon agreed to give Bachir time to resolve the internal conflicts before signing the negotiations. The next day, Begin's office issued a statement which said that the issues which Bachir and Sharon had agreed upon were accepted. On 13 September 1982, LF chief of staff Fadi Frem, who was married to one of Bachir’s nieces, would be elected commander in chief of

16368-531: Was founded in 1968 and led by Camille's son Dany Chamoun , the Tigers Militia . Another party was the Kataeb Party , or Phalangists, which was founded by Pierre Gemayel in 1936. Kataeb similarly had its own militia which was officially formed in 1961, the Kataeb Regulatory Forces led by William Hawi until 1976 when Bachir Gemayel succeeded him. Kataeb Regulatory Forces merged with Tigers Militia and several minor groups ( Al-Tanzim , Guardians of

16500-460: Was necessary in order to root out PLO guerrillas from the southern part of the country. Israeli forces eventually moved towards Beirut and laid siege to the city, aiming to reshape the Lebanese political landscape and force the PLO out of Lebanon. The Israeli forces had demanded that Bachir and the Lebanese Forces would play a larger role in Israel’s invasion of Beirut however, Bachir would refuse. In

16632-650: Was reportedly angry with Bachir for his public denial of Israel's support. Bachir refused to accept the offer of immediate peace by arguing that time was needed to reach a consensus with the Lebanese Muslims and the Arab nations. Bachir was quoted telling David Kimche, the director general of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, a few days earlier, "Please tell your people to be patient. I am committed to make peace with Israel, and I shall do it. But I need time – nine months, maximum one year. I need to mend my fences with

16764-425: Was ringed by heavily fortified Palestinian camps and as the war progressed a strong organized force was needed. The Lebanese Forces was soon after established on 30 August 1976 with an agreement that the direct military commander would be a Kataeb member and the vice-commander an Ahrar member. Bachir led his troops in the infamous Hundred Days War in Lebanon in 1978, in which the Lebanese Forces successfully resisted

16896-518: Was structured along conventional lines, comprising several branches of service and support units, most of them inherited from the old Kataeb Regulatory Forces . Specialized technical services consisted of: To train LF officer cadets, a Military Academy, later renamed the Bashir Gemayel Institute ( Arabic : Maehad Bashir Gemayel ), was set up in 1985 at a disused Maronite monastery in the town of Ghosta , located 20 km east of Beirut in

17028-406: Was supported by Amin Gemayel, and the Kataeb, who sought to establish his influence over the Lebanese Forces. Fadi Frem and Amin Gemayel were in disagreement in regards to Syria as Amin was more reconciliatory while Frem was strict in his refusal to deal with the Syrians. On 12 March 1985, Samir Geagea , Elie Hobeika and Karim Pakradouni rebelled against Abou Nader's command, ostensibly to take

17160-849: Was the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982 . On August 31, 1983, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unilaterally withdrew from the Chouf District located southeast of Beirut, thus removing the buffer between the Druze PLA and the Christian Maronite Lebanese Forces (LF) militias and triggered another round of brutal fighting. By September, the Druze PSP/PLA had defeated the LF in a series of engagements and gained control over most of

17292-571: Was the " Civil Administration of the Mountain ", commonly known as the Jebel-el-Druze , a name which had formerly been used for a Druze state in Syria. The Marada area around Zghorta was known as the "Northern Canton". Wilton Wynn, a TIME correspondent, visited the East Beirut Christian canton in 1976, the same year as its foundation. He reported that compared to the villages outside of

17424-448: Was the last episode of internal struggles in East Beirut during Amine Gemayel's mandate. As a result, the Lebanese Forces led by Geagea were the only major force on ground. During two years of frail peace, Geagea launched a drive to re-equip and reorganize the Lebanese Forces. He also instituted a social welfare program in areas controlled by Geagea's party. The Lebanese Forces also cut its relations with Israel and emphasized relations with

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