List of massacres in Lebanon

The following is a list of massacres that have occurred in Lebanon:

Antiquity
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Siege of Tyre (332 BC) 332 BC Tyre 2,000 Tyrians Ancient Macedonian army 2,000 Tyrians crucified on the beach by Alexander the Great's army
Medieval
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Mamluk Offensive against Jobbeh May – August 1283 Northern Mount Lebanon (specifically Ehden, Hadat, Hasroun, Hadchit and Bsharri). Several thousand killed; thousands more displaced to Cyprus and the Qadisha caves. Maronite Christians Mamluks After decades of Maronite resistance against the Sultanate, Mamluk forces launched a massive siege on the northern strongholds. The campaign culminated in the fall of the mountain fortress of Hadat.This event led to the capture and execution of Patriarch Daniel of Hadshit, the leader of the resistance. It marked the end of Maronite political autonomy in the North for centuries and forced the population to seek refuge in the inaccessible heights of the Qadisha Valley.[1]
Mamluk "Scorched Earth" Kisrawan Campaign July, 1305 Kisrawan Heights and the surrounding Mount Lebanon range. thousands Maronite & Druze populations. Mamluks Following several failed attempts to subdue the mountain, the Mamluk Sultanate launched a massive "scorched earth" expedition with 50,000 soldiers. The goal was to eliminate "heterodox" groups accused of aiding Crusader and Mongol interests.[2]
Ottoman Era
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Ottoman Invasion of Mount Lebanon 1585 Chouf District & Keserwan District Estimated several thousand civilians killed; 600 villages burned. Maronite Christians & Druze Ottoman troops Following a robbery of an Ottoman tax convoy (the "İbrahim Pasha Incident"), the Sultan sent a massive punitive expedition under the Governor of Egypt. The army engaged in a "scorched earth" policy, destroying the infrastructure of the Druze Mountain. This event led to the death of Emir Qurqumaz Ma'an (the father of the famous Fakhr-al-Din II) and forced a total reorganization of the mountain's feudal system. It is one of the earliest examples of Ottoman central authority using mass violence to break the autonomy of Lebanese emirs.[3]
Massacre at Lehfed 1820 1820 Lehfed (Byblos District) Estimates of 50–100 prominent villagers and hundreds of homes destroyed. Maronite Christians Forces of Emir Bashir Shihab II supported by Ottoman troops During the Ammiyya (commoners') uprisings against the heavy taxation of Emir Bashir II, the Emir’s forces—supported by Ottoman irregulars—launched a brutal crackdown on the village of Lehfed, which had become a center of peasant resistance. It was a rare instance of "intra-sectarian" massacre, where a Christian ruler used violence against his own Maronite subjects to maintain his tax collection rights for the Ottoman Sultan.[4]
Deir al-Qamar Massacre October - November, 1841 Deir al-Qamar, Chouf District 1,000–1,500 Maronite Christians Druze militias This was the first major explosion of sectarian violence in the modern era. After a dispute over hunting rights, Druze fighters besieged the town. Ottoman authorities remained neutral or actively assisted in the disarmament of Christians, who were then attacked. This event signaled the collapse of the "Double Qaimaqamate" (the administrative division of the mountain) and served as the direct psychological precursor to the much larger 1860 Civil War.[5]
The Sectarian Conflict of 1845 (Mallaqa & Zahleh) May – June 1845 The Matn, the Chouf, and the Bekaa (specifically Mallaqa and Zahle). Estimated several hundred deaths; dozens of villages burned. Maronite Christians Druze militias This was a period of systemic tit-for-tat killings that followed the failed 1841 partition. In the Bekaa, the town of Mallaqa was attacked, and Zahleh was besieged. The Ottoman military often intervened only after Christian villages were already disarmed and vulnerable. This conflict proved that the "Double Qaimaqamate" (the administrative division of Lebanon into two sectarian sectors) was a failure. It directly led to the total social breakdown that caused the 1860 Civil War.[5]
1860 Mount Lebanon civil war July 9–11, 1860 Beirut and Damascus, Syria 7,000–25,000 Christians Ottoman troops, Muslim mobs, Druze militias, Kurdish irregulars. During the 1860 Civil conflict in mount lebanon, Large massacres of Christians at Deir al-Qamar, Hasbaya, and Rashaya took place with Druze casualties as well. Many Christians fled to Damascus, where Muslim mobs with the help of rogue Ottoman troops and minimal Druze involvement massacred several thousand Christian civilians; 326 villages, 560 churches, 28 colleges, 42 convents, and 9 other religious establishments were completely destroyed.
The Great Famine "Silent Massacre" 1915–1918 Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate 100,000–200,000 (approx. 1/3 of the population). The general population of Mount Lebanon (predominantly Maronite and Druze) Ottoman troops While a natural locust plague occurred, the Ottoman Fourth Army under Jamal Pasha imposed a total land blockade, prohibiting grain from entering the mountain. This was coupled with the requisitioning of local livestock and the cutting of woods for railway fuel. This is remembered in Lebanese collective memory as a deliberate attempt to decimate the population to prevent a pro-French uprising. It led to the massive waves of Lebanese emigration to the Americas and Australia.[6]
Execution of Arab nationalists May 6, 1916 Beirut and Damascus, Syria 23 Arab Nationalists Ottoman Empire (Djemal Pasha) On May 6, 1916, Jamal Pasha publicly executed simultaneously seven Arabs in Damascus and fourteen in Beirut for alleged anti-Turkish activities. The date, May 6, is commemorated annually in both countries as Martyrs' Day, and the site in Beirut has come to be known as Martyrs' Square.
French Lebanon
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Ain Ebel massacre May 5, 1920 Ain Ebel 50–100 Christians Shia Muslims and pro-Faisal gang Mahmoud Bazzi's gang, which "proceeded from brigandage to confronting France and its Christian friends in the south," attacked Ain Ebel on May 5, 1920, pillaging and killing more than 50 people. The people of Ain Ebel defended the town from sunrise to sunset until they ran out of ammunition. The town was completely destroyed, and the damage done to the two churches, school and convent, was evidence of sectarian malice.
Rashaya revolt massacre November 1925 Rashaya Hundreds Christians Druze The anti-French revolt's expansion into Lebanon and stories of massacres targeting local Christians sparked worry among the Christians of southern Lebanon.[7] Around 400 Christian homes in Rashaya were either damaged or destroyed in the fighting.
Tripoli student massacre November 13, 1943 Tripoli 14 Student protesters French-Senegalese soldiers The students were struck by French tanks driven by Senegalese soldiers while participating in a peaceful march through the streets. During the demonstration, the students were fervently advocating for an end to the occupation.[8][9][10][11] All the victims were under the age of 15.
Independent Lebanon
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Hula massacre October 31, 1948 Hula 35–58 Lebanese Carmeli Brigade, Israel Defense Forces Hula, located in Lebanon, was captured on October 24 by the Carmeli Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces without any resistance. The women and children were expelled, most of the men aged between 15 and 60 were shot. In total between 35 and 58 men were executed in a house which was later blown up on top of them.[12]
Miziara massacre June 16, 1957 Miziara 30 Douaihy clan Frangieh clan Sleiman Frangieh and his followers killed 30 loyalist to the Douaihy family in a church in Miziara. Victims included nuns, priests, women and children.[13]
Civil War Period
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Bus massacre April 13, 1975 Beirut 27 PLO Kataeb Party On the morning of 13 April 1975, PLO gunmen in a speeding car fired on a church in the Christian East Beirut suburb of Ain el-Rummaneh, killing four people, including two Maronite Phalangists. Hours later, 27 Palestinian civilians traveling in a bus through one of the Ain el Rummaneh neighborhoods of Beirut were attacked and killed by Christian Phalangists. Many more people were killed in subsequent fighting in other areas of the city later that day. Together, these incidents have been identified by several historians as the starting point of the Lebanese Civil War.
Black Thursday May 30, 1975 Bashoura, Beirut 30–50 Christians Palestinians The bodies were abandoned in a Muslim cemetery, with possible intention of provoking a sectarian message, close to the Green Line separating East and West Beirut, all with their genitals mutilated off.[14]
Qa'a Massacre 1975 July 7, 1975 Qaa, Beqaa Governorate 7 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims Location: Qa’a, Northern Beqaa.

​Aggressors: Local Shi’a tribesmen and Palestinian As-Sa`iqa militants.

​Casualties: 7 civilian fatalities.

​Significance: This attack marked the definitive start of Christian flight from the area.[14]

Zahle Massacre August 24, 1975 Zahle 26 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims Trigger Events: The death of a Syrian individual from Saadnayel and an armed clash between local Shia/Palestinian As-Saiqa forces and the Lebanese Army.

​Escalation: The skirmish transformed into a full-scale sectarian conflict between Muslim and Christian groups within the city and its suburbs.

​Tactics: The use of heavy weaponry, including rockets and machine guns, as well as systematic "identity-based" abductions and summary executions.

​Casualties: 26 deaths.[14]

Haouch El-Omara Massacre August 28, 1975 Haouch El-Omara, Zahle 3 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims ​Location: Haouch El-Omara (a suburb of Zahleh) and the primary transit road connecting Chtaura to Baalbeck.

​Casualties: 3 individuals killed and 9 others wounded.

​Primary Perpetrators: Identified as As-Sa'iqa (a pro-Syrian Palestinian Ba'athist militia) and local allied Shia gunmen.[14]

Saadnayel Massacre August 28-29, 1975 Saadnayel, Zahle 13 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims Discovery: Three victims found in a vehicle within the predominantly Muslim town of Saadnayel.

​Cause of Death: Targeted gunfire (shot in the heart).

​Route: The victims were intercepted while traveling on the Zahleh-Tarchich-Baskinta road, a strategic link connecting the Beqaa Valley to the Mount Lebanon region.

​Intensity: A total of 13 fatalities were recorded over the two-day span, reflecting the rapid escalation of sectarian violence in the area.[14]

Zahle Massacre August 30-31, 1975 Zahle 24 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims A 48-hour period of intense violence resulting in 24 deaths.

Perpetrators: Shia Militants from neighboring Muslim villages allied with Palestinian As-Sa'iqa commandos.[14]

Taalabaya Massacre September 1st, 1975 Taalabaya, Zahle 11 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims Target: A Christian-owned mill in Taalabaya, a town strategically located in the Beqaa Valley.

​The Abduction: A group of gunmen seized the owner and his five children.

​The Aftermath: Discovery of 11 victims in total, confirming the systematic execution of at least three of the miller's sons.

​The Survivor’s Testimony: The miller, released a year later, provided harrowing evidence of torture and physical mutilation.[14]

Deir Ashash Massacre September 1st, 1975 Deir Ashash, Zgharta 3 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Sunni Muslims Victims: Three elderly priests (ages 93, 87, 60).

​Location: Deir Ashash monastery, North Lebanon.[14]

Beit Mellat Massacre September 10, 1975 Beit Mellat, Akkar 15–25 Christians Palestinians and Syrians Between five and eight civilians were killed, and ten more disappeared. Also, the militiamen burned down homes and the church, and stole several cars.[14]
Tel Abbas Massacre October 9, 1975 Tel Abbas, Akkar 15 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Muslims Casualties: 15 killed, 9 kidnapped.

​Property Damage: Destruction of a church and 40 homes.

​Political/Religious Context: Lebanese Muslim perpetrators with involvement of the PFLP. Greek Orthodox victims with Lebanese Communist Party affiliations.

​Aftermath: Forced migration of the Christian population toward the Syrian border.[14]

Black Saturday December 6, 1975 Beirut 300–350 Muslims, Druze Kataeb Regulatory Forces Four young Christian Phalangists were assassinated on the Fanar (Matn) road in Beirut. In retaliation, Phalangists murdered hundreds of non-Christians. It is estimated that more than 300 civilians were murdered in what was the first ethnic cleansing of the Lebanese Civil War.
Taalabaya Massacre December 31st, 1975 Taalabaya, Zahle 35 Christians Palestinians and Lebanese Shia Muslims ​Location: Taalabaya, a strategic Christian-inhabited town on the periphery of Zahleh in the Beqaa Valley.

​Casualties: 35 residents killed.

​Perpetrators: The attack was carried out by a coalition of As-Sa'iqa commandos (a pro-Syrian Palestinian faction), elements of the Palestinian Liberation Army (PLA), and local allied gunmen from neighboring villages.[14]

Jiyeh massacre January 16-17, 1976 Jiyeh 40 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement Perpetrators: A coalition of the PLO and LNM.

​Casualties: 40 civilians killed.

​Victims: Mostly women and children.

Strategy: The attack in Jiyeh targeted an entry point to Damour, a strategic, predominantly Christian coastal town located south of Beirut. This assault was a precursor to the larger, more catastrophic attack on Damour that occurred several days later.[14]

Haouch Barada massacre January 18, 1976 Haouch Barada Baalbek 3 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement The Christian town of Haouch-Barada, located in the vicinity of Baalbeck in the Beqaa Valley, was subjected to a targeted attack. The assault resulted in three civilian fatalities and significant structural damage to the town. Faced with this direct threat, the entire population of approximately 800 residents was forced to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in the relative safety of Zahleh and East Beirut.[14]
Deir Al-Ahmar & Zahle siege January 18-25, 1976 Deir Al-Ahmar Zahle dozens Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement Between January 18 and 25, 1976, the Beqaa Valley experienced a decisive escalation as 4,000 Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) troops backed by Syria, alongside the LNM, besieged the Christian strongholds of Zahleh and Deir al-Ahmar. The offensive utilized heavy artillery, tanks, and coordinated infantry maneuvers to shell residential areas and isolate these towns from external reinforcements, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and sparked a mass exodus of the local population.[14]
Karantina massacre January 18, 1976 Beirut 300–1,500 Palestinians and Lebanese Muslims Kataeb Regulatory Forces Karantina was an impoverished predominantly Muslim district — housing Lebanese and Palestine refugees, as well as others — in northeastern Beirut, and was overrun by the Lebanese Christian militias.
Deir Jannine massacre January 19, 1976 Deir Jannine Akkar 9 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement Muslim militants aligned with the Lebanese National Movement and pro-Syrian Palestinian factions attacked the village of Deir Janine in North Lebanon. The assault resulted in the execution of nine civilians, including two priests.[14]
Bqerzala massacre January 19, 1976 Bqerzla Akkar 2 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement Two civilians were killed in the village of Bqerzala in Northern Lebanon. This targeted attack was carried out by local militias allied with the Lebanese National Movement and pro-Syrian Palestinian factions, as part of a wider campaign to establish territorial control and displace Christian residents across the Akkar district.[14]
Rahbeh massacre January 20, 1976 Rahbeh Akkar 50 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement On January 20, 1976, the village of Rahbeh in the Akkar region of North Lebanon was the site of a brutal massacre, resulting in the deaths of 50 civilians.[14]
West Beirut checkpoint Massacre January 20, 1976 West Beirut 30 Christians Palestine Liberation Organization and Lebanese National Movement In response to the Karantina massacre, gunmen established checkpoints across West Beirut to intercept civilians. During these operations, approximately 30 Christians were identified and summarily executed.[14]
Damour massacre January 20, 1976 Damour 582[15] Christians A coalition of Palestine Liberation Organisation and Lebanese National Movement factions, including:

​Fatah (Commanding role)

​As-Sa`iqa (Commanding role)

​DFLP (Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine)

​LCP (Lebanese Communist Party)

​OCAL (Organization of Communist Action in Lebanon)

​Al-Murabitun

Following the Jiyeh Massacre several days earlier where the Damour entry point had been strategically penetrated in preparation, PLO and LNM militia forces launched a brutal assault on the town of Damour. The operation, which aimed to "empty the city" of its estimated 35,000 residents, resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe. Militants systematically killed entire families—including women, children, and the elderly—within their homes and in places of refuge, such as the local church. Survivors and historical accounts document widespread atrocities, including gang rapes, looting, arson, and the desecration of cemeteries.[14]

Casualty estimates: 582 civilian deaths. Among those killed were the family members of Christian militia leader Elie Hobeika, and his fiancée. Hobeika later led the Phalangists in the Sabra and Shatila massacre.

El-Qiddam massacre January 23, 1976 El-Qiddam Baalbek 7 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement On January 23, 1976, the village of al-Qiddam, located in the Baalbek district of the Beqaa Valley, was targeted in a deadly assault that resulted in the deaths of seven civilians.[14] The assault was conducted by a coalition of forces including local militias affiliated with the Lebanese National Movement (LNM) and various pro-Syrian Palestinian factions (notably As-Sa'iqa).
Qabb Elias massacre January 24, 1976 Qabb Ilyas Beqaa Valley 16 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement On January 24, 1976, the Christian neighborhood of Qabb-Elias, located south of Zahleh in the Beqaa Valley, was targeted in a violent offensive that resulted in the deaths of 16 residents. The attack triggered a mass exodus, forcing approximately 300 families to flee their homes and seek refuge in Beirut and the Shuf Mountain village of Ain Dara.[14] The assault was conducted by a coalition of forces including local militias affiliated with the Lebanese National Movement (LNM) and various pro-Syrian Palestinian factions such as As-Sa'iqa.
Beirut Newspapers Massacre January 31, 1976 Beirut 7 Newspapers: Al-Muharrir and Beyrouth Palestine Liberation Organization Palestinian As-Sa'iqa militants attacked the offices of two newspapers, killing the editor and six staff members.The victims were journalists and staff associated with the pro-Palestinian/Leftist camp.[14]
Qoubaiyat Massacre March 15, 1976 Al-Qoubaiyat Akkar Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement On March 15, 1976, the Christian village of Qobayat in North Lebanon was subjected to a coordinated assault. The attack was carried out by members of the "Joint Forces" (a coalition of the Lebanese National Movement and Palestinian factions) with the direct military support of Fatah forces operating out of the Beqaa Valley.[14]While specific casualty figures for the assault remain unverified, the attack resulted in significant civilian loss and local destabilization.
​El-Abadieh Massacre March 19, 1976 El-Abadieh 8 Christians Druze Lebanese National Movement On March 19, 1976, in the village of al-Abadieh (located in the Baabda district), a group of armed Druze men executed an entire Christian family of eight. Despite the family’s documented political loyalty to Kamal Jumblatt—a key leader within the Lebanese National Movement—they were not spared.[14]
Mtein Massacre March 25, 1976 Mtein 53 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement On March 25, 1976, a brutal attack occurred in the village of Mtein in the Upper Metn district, resulting in the death of 53 Christian civilians, including a nun. Several of the victims were affiliated with the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP). Beyond the killings, the village suffered systematic destruction: residential homes were looted and set on fire, local churches were destroyed, and cemeteries were desecrated in an effort to erase the community's presence.[14]
Mount Lebanon Massacre April 1 to June 30, 1976. Aley, Baabda, Matn District, Chouf District, Mount Lebanon 69+ Christians Druze, Lebanese National Movement, Lebanese Arab Army, Palestine Liberation Organisation Between April and June 1976, Druze militias, supported by the LAA, LNM & PLO conducted a systematic campaign of violence against Christian villages across Mount Lebanon. This offensive, marked by looting, targeted executions, and widespread property destruction, forced a mass exodus of the Christian population toward the Beqaa and Metn regions.

69 civilian fatalities were documented, broken up per district as follows:

Aley - 37 (High density of attacks; frequent mutilations).

Baabda & Upper Metn - 20 (Organized village raids and destruction).

Chouf & Coastal - 12 (Targeted kidnappings and summary executions).[14]

Mansourieh-Bhamdoun Massacre March 1 to May 30, 1976. Bhamdoun, Mansourieh Aley 9 Christians Druze, LNM, PSP In the spring of 1976 (March–May), sectarian tensions in the Aley district escalated into a series of targeted killings. Druze militants originating from the town of Btater abducted nine Christian residents from the nearby Mansourieh-Bhamdoun area. The victims were subsequently executed, and their bodies were left exposed on public roads to serve as a visual deterrent and a provocation to the local community.[14]
Bombing of Jounieh and Bkerke May 18, 1976 Jounieh and Bkerke Multiple (undocumented total) Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement Location: Jounieh and Bkerke (Maronite Patriarchate), Lebanon.

​Victims: Maronite residents of Jounieh and the Maronite clergy at Bkerke.

​In response to the Syrian-mediated election of Elias Sarkis, forces belonging to the Lebanese National Movement and Joint Forces heavily shelled the Christian stronghold of Jounieh and the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke.[14]

Chekka massacre July 5, 1976 Chekka and Hamat 200 Christians Palestine Liberation Organisation & Lebanese National Movement The attack was launched from Tripoli by Palestinian militants and members of a left-wing group called Jund Allah. The group stormed the Christian pro-Syrian Social Nationalist Party settlement of Chekka as well as Hamat. An estimated 200 people were killed in the ensuing 24 hours. Residents tried to flee through a tunnel to Batroun but the attackers blocked the exit. Many were killed as their cars caught fire, and they suffocated to death.[16]
Tel al-Zaatar massacre August 12, 1976 Beirut 1,500–5,000 Palestinians Kataeb Regulatory Forces Christian Phalangists and other rightwing Christian militias besieged Tel Al-Zaatar with help from Syrian Army units; after heavy fighting, they killed Palestinian civilian refugees and PLO fedayeen or fighters. 4,000 injured.
Salima massacre September 28–30, 1976 Salima 29 Druze Kataeb Regulatory Forces Christian fighters from Damour killed 29 Druze civilians in Salima.[17]
Aishiyeh massacre October 19–21, 1976 Aishiyeh 70+ Christians Fatah, As-Sa'iqa, Lebanese National Movement The Lebanese National Movement (LNM) and Palestinian militias Fatah and As-Sa'iqa captured the Christian village of Aychiye in South Lebanon.[14] The assault resulted in a massacre of the civilian population, with documented fatalities estimated at over 70 individuals, including women and children, and over 100 injured.[18]
Maasser Beit Eddine executions October 28, 1976 Maasser Beit Eddine 16 Christians PSP 16 Christian civilians, including a family of eight, were killed by PSP members in Maasser Beit ed-Dine.[19]
Accaoui Car Bombing Jan 3, 1977 Achrafieh 30+ Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force This was the first major car bombing of its kind in the Lebanese Civil War. The explosion caused catastrophic damage to several apartment buildings and storefronts in the Accaoui district. The sheer scale of the civilian carnage shocked the city, as car bombs had not yet become a "standard" tactic of the conflict.

Casualties: 30+ deaths; 100+ wounded.[20]

Chouf massacres (1977) March 16, 1977 – March 30, 1977 Chouf 177-250 Christians PSP Series of massacres and forced displacements on Christian civilians following Kamal Jumblatt's death.[21]
St George's Church attack August 21, 1977 Brih, Chouf 13 Christians Druze Druze leftist gunmen attacked St George's Church during prayers on Sunday with automatic gunfire inside and around the church killing 13 people.[22]
Martyrs’ Square Bombing February 1, 1978 Beirut 20 Lebanese Civilians Syrian Armed Forces or proxies. A powerful bomb was detonated in the heart of Beirut’s historic city center. Martyrs’ Square was the functional hub of the capital, serving as a transit point and commercial crossroads. The blast targeted the dense midday crowd, causing high fatalities and significant structural damage to the surrounding Ottoman-era architecture.

Casualties: 20 deaths; dozens wounded.[20]

Maarad Street Explosion February 3, 1978 Beirut Undetermined Lebanese Civilians Syrian Armed Forces or proxies. Only 48 hours after the Martyrs’ Square massacre, a second explosion rocked the nearby Maarad Street, a famous thoroughfare known for its arcaded buildings and administrative offices.[20]
Fayadieh Incident and East Beirut Shelling (Feb 1978) February 7-9, 1978 Fayadieh, Ain al-Remmaneh, Karm al-Zeitoun, Badaro, East Beirut 100+ Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Following a military clash between the Lebanese Army and Syrian ADF units at the Fayadieh barracks on February 7, 1978, Syrian forces initiated a heavy artillery bombardment of the Christian-populated neighborhoods of Ain al-Remmaneh, Karm al-Zeitoun, and Badaro. The shelling resulted in at least 100 civilian deaths and 200 injuries, signaling the start of open hostilities between the Syrian military and the Lebanese Front.[23]
April 1978 Shelling of East Beirut April 12, 1978 Ain al-Remmaneh, Badaro, East Beirut 60 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Following three days of street fighting between the Tigers Militia (PNL) and Syrian forces along the Chiyah–Ain al-Remmaneh axis, the Syrian military launched a massive artillery bombardment on the residential sectors of Ain al-Remmaneh and Badaro. The density of the neighborhoods led to a high civilian casualty rate in a single day of shelling.

60 deaths; 250 injured. [24]

May 1978 Bombardment of Ain al-Remmaneh May 6, 1978 Ain al-Remmaneh, East Beirut 3 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Renewed clashes between Christian militias and Syrian units led to a targeted bombardment of Ain al-Remmaneh. While the death toll was lower than the April 12 event, it is recorded in human rights mapping as a continued pattern of targeting civilian-populated militia strongholds.[25]
Ehden massacre June 13, 1978 Ehden 40 Marada Movement Kataeb Regulatory Forces It was an inter-Christian attack that occurred between the Maronite clans.[26][27] Following the kidnapping and assassination of Jude al-Bayeh, a Kataeb leader in Zgharta (Marada heartland) by members of Marada, a Phalangist squad attacked the mansion of Frangieh family in an attempt to capture Ehden, killing nearly 40 people including Tony Frangieh, his spouse and his three-year-old daughter, Jihane.[28][29] After the retaliatory massacre, the power of the Frangiehs is reported to have declined.[30]
Qaa, Ras Baalbek, Jdeidet al-Fekha & Fakiha Massacres June 28, 1978 Qaa, Ras Baalbek, Jdeidet al-Fekha & Fakiha 26-40 Christians Syrian Special Forces (supporting Marada interests) Said to be revenge after the death of Marada leader Tony Frangieh in the Ehden massacre.
Hundred Days' War July 1 – October 7, 1978 East Beirut and the Northern Enclave. 300+ Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Syrian forces utilized "scorched earth" tactics, firing at a rate that sometimes reached one bomb per minute. The campaign resulted in the total or partial destruction of 60,000 buildings and the temporary displacement of nearly half of Beirut's population (approx. 250,000 people).

Casualties: Several hundred civilians killed; 1,000+ injured.[20]

Shelling of Hotel-Dieu Hospital and East Beirut (1978) July 2, 1978 Achrafieh, Hadath, Ain al-Remmaneh, and Furn al-Chebbak (East Beirut) 60 Christians + hospital patients Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force On the second day of the Hundred-Day War, Syrian forces launched a massive artillery barrage using 240mm heavy mortars. The shelling famously struck the Hotel-Dieu de France hospital with 130 shells, destroying 20 rooms. Saint Georges and Geitawi hospitals were also hit.

Casualties: 60 deaths; 300 wounded.[20]

Hadath Bombardment July 23, 1978 Hadath 10 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force A concentrated artillery strike targeted the town of Hadath, a strategic Christian-dominated area. The high ratio of injuries to deaths was attributed to the use of heavy caliber weapons in a residential setting, forcing the local population to remain in underground shelters for weeks.

Casualties: 10 deaths; 100+ wounded.[20]

Fakhani Building Bombing August 13, 1978 Fakhani district West Beirut 148 Palestine Liberation Organization Fatah Palestinian Arab Liberation Front A massive explosion completely leveled an eight-story apartment building that served as a headquarters for the PLO. It remains one of the deadliest single-building bombings of the civil war era, occurring amidst the fierce rivalry between pro-Iraqi and pro-Syrian factions within the Palestinian movement.[20]
North Lebanon and Beqaa Offensive (Aug 1978) August 24–26, 1978 Koura, Batroun, North Lebanon, Ainata, Mshatiyyeh, Deir al-Ahmar, Beqaa Valley 37 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Between August 24 and 26, 1978, Syrian ADF troops conducted a wide-scale military operation targeting Christian-populated areas. Forces attacked positions in the Koura and Batroun districts of North Lebanon while simultaneously entering the villages of Ainata, Mshatiyyeh, and Deir al-Ahmar in the Beqaa Valley. The offensive resulted in 37 deaths, consisting primarily of local civilians caught in the crossfire or targeted during the military occupation.[20]
Bcharre Kidnappings and Executions August 27–28, 1978 Bcharre, North Lebanon 6 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force On August 27 and 28, 1978, soldiers from the Syrian-led Arab Deterrent Force (ADF) kidnapped six Lebanese citizens from the town of Bcharre. The victims were summarily executed and their bodies burned before the remains were returned to local authorities. This incident occurred during a broader Syrian military offensive in North Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley aimed at dismantling the influence of the Lebanese Front.[20]
Black Saturday Shelling September 30, 1978 East Beirut, Jounieh, Eastern Metn 70 Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Occurring near the end of the Hundred-Day War, this was one of the most widespread single-day bombardments of the conflict. Syrian artillery expanded its range beyond Beirut to strike the port city of Jounieh and the mountain villages of the Metn. The use of Grad missiles and incendiary phosphorus bombs during this period led to massive civilian displacement.

70 deaths; 300 wounded.[20]

Baalchmay Family Massacre November, 1978 Baalchmay 9 Christians Druze In a particularly brutal sectarian attack, a gunman entered the village and executed an entire family of nine. This event contributed significantly to the atmosphere of fear that preceded the wider "Mountain War."[31]
Alali and Rasha Raid November 15, 1978 Alali and Rasha, North Lebanon 2 Christians Marada Movement In a retaliatory atmosphere following the Ehden Massacre, Marada gunmen raided the villages of Alali and Rasha. Fifteen civilians were abducted and subjected to physical abuse before two were executed. This was part of a pattern of "tit-for-tat" kidnappings in the Batroun and Koura districts.[32]
Chmout massacre April 22, 1979 Chmout, Jbeil 13 Kataeb Regulatory Forces Marada Movement False flag revenge for the Ehden massacre. Marada fighters disguised themselves in Kataeb uniforms and infiltrated a house in Chmout where a celebration was taking place, targeting Kataeb members.[33]
Sirjbal Siege June, 1979 Sirjbal Chouf 2 Christians Druze, Palestinians, Lebanese National Movement This operation was a strategic military action aimed at clearing the "villages of the valleys" (al-Wadaya) to secure the Shuf road for the Joint Forces. Following the killing of two residents, approximately 500 Christians fled the seven surrounding villages toward Beirut's southeastern suburbs.[34]
Ain Dara Executions July, 1979 Ain Dara Chouf 5 Christians Druze A coordinated series of attacks on the entrances to the Shuf district. In Ain Dara, five residents were executed.[35]
Dakoun Executions July, 1979 Dakoun Aley 4 Christians Druze A coordinated series of attacks on the entrances to the Aley district. In Dakoun, four young men were singled out and killed.[36]
Basta Bombing October 27, 1979 West Beirut 8 Lebanese Civilians Attributed to Syrian Intelligence or pro-Syrian factions (such as the As-Sa'iqa or the SSNP) On October 27, 1979, a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) containing 30 kilograms of TNT was detonated in the Basta district of West Beirut. The explosion occurred in a densely populated residential and commercial sector, specifically targeting the area adjacent to the headquarters of the Arab Lebanese Army (ALA). The blast killed at least eight civilians and wounded 32 others. The resulting fires caused extensive structural damage, destroying dozens of homes, storefronts, and civilian vehicles. Historians frequently cite the attack as an effort by Syrian-aligned factions to exert pressure on the ALA, a splinter group that often operated independently of Syrian military interests in the capital's western sectors.[20]
Battle of Qnat February 5–17, 1980 Qnat North Lebanon 50 Christians Syrian Special Forces (supporting Marada interests) Following Kataeb-Marada clashes, Syrian Special Forces launched a major offensive to occupy the strategic village of Qnat. The village was shelled and besieged for over 10 days during a period of extreme winter weather. The assault resulted in high civilian fatalities and forced thousands to flee through snow-covered mountains to escape the bombardment.[37]
Assassination of Maya Gemayel February 23, 1980 Achrafieh, East Beirut 8 Christians including Maya Gemayel (20 months old). While no group successfully claimed responsibility at the time, historians and intelligence reports generally attribute the operation to the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) or Syrian Intelligence, likely acting in coordination with the Marada Brigade as retaliation for the Ehden Massacre (1978). A powerful car bomb, containing approximately 50kg of TNT, was detonated in the heart of Ashrafieh as Bachir Gemayel's vehicle passed. Bachir was not in the car at the moment of the blast, but his toddler daughter, Maya, was killed instantly along with three of his security detail. Four other civilians in the vicinity also perished in the explosion, which caused extensive damage to the surrounding residential buildings.[38]
Syrian Intelligence Assassination Wave February 23 - July 23, 1980 East Beirut, West Beirut, Mount Lebanon 11 High-profile Christian politicians and journalists/intellectuals of various backgrounds who opposed the Syrian occupation. Syrian Intelligence Services (frequently acting through the Syrian Special Forces or local proxies such as Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP). Beyond large-scale military engagements, the year 1980 was marked by a systematic campaign of targeted assassinations attributed to Syrian Intelligence. This wave of violence specifically targeted the intellectual and political pillars of the Christian enclave and the independent press. By targeting figures like Camille Chamoun and journalists such as Salim al-Lawzi and Riad Taha, the campaign aimed to dissolve the internal cohesion of the Lebanese Front and eliminate voices calling for Syrian withdrawal.[39]
Zahleh Car Bombing March 6, 1980 Zahle 4 Christians Syrian Armed Forces Arab Deterrent Force / Syrian Intelligence. On March 6, 1980, a car bomb exploded in a civilian area of Zahleh, a strategically significant Christian-majority city in the Bekaa Valley. The blast killed four civilians and wounded two others. The attack occurred amidst escalating tensions between the city’s inhabitants and Syrian military forces stationed in the region. Analysts view this bombing as part of a broader campaign to destabilize Zahleh’s autonomy and pressure local leadership ahead of the full-scale military sieges that would follow in late 1980 and 1981.[20]
Shamout House Party Massacre April 22, 1980 Shamout North Lebanon 15 Christians - Unarmed civilians attending a private gathering. Marada Movement Marada militants attacked a private home during a party in Shamout. After opening fire on the guests, they abducted the survivors, transporting them through Batroun to Zgharta. At least 15 of the victims were eventually confirmed killed.[40]
Burj al-Barajneh Clashes May 28, 1980 Burj al-Barajneh West Beirut 15 Palestinians, Pro-Iraqi Ba'ath, LCP (Communists) Amal Lebanese Shia Muslims This event highlights the growing rift between the Shia Amal movement and the Palestinian-Leftist coalition. The fighting in the dense streets of Burj al-Barajneh marked the beginning of Amal's assertion of authority over the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Casualties: 15 deaths; 30 wounded.[41]

Mountain Purge July, 1980 Matn District Aley 7 Christians Druze, Palestinians, Lebanese National Movement A coordinated series of killings targeting the remaining Christian presence in strategic mountain villages. The victims were often vulnerable residents who had stayed behind during previous waves of displacement, including a disabled person in Sirjbal. These killings were intended to intimidate the remaining Christian population into fleeing toward the "Eastern Zone" (East Beirut and Mount Lebanon proper), effectively "purging" these areas to secure military supply lines for the Joint Forces.[42]
Safra massacre July 7, 1980 Safra 83 National Liberal Party (Lebanon) Kataeb Regulatory Forces
Ashrafieh/Bachir Gemayel Bombing July 30, 1980 Achrafieh 5 Christians Attributed to Syrian Intelligence or their proxies (potentially the SSNP) A massive car bomb was detonated near the residence of Bachir Gemayel. While Gemayel himself was the intended target, the blast occurred in a densely populated residential street, causing the deaths of several neighbors and pedestrians. 5 civilians killed (including two women); 15 wounded. This was the second major attempt on his life and family that year, following the February bombing that killed his daughter, Maya.[20]
1980 Zahle Pre-Siege Shelling December 22–24, 1980 Zahle, Beqaa Valley numerous - undetermined Christians Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force Following an ambush that killed five Syrian soldiers, the Syrian military launched a "punitive" bombardment of the city. After residents refused to hand over the LF members responsible, the city was shelled for 48 hours without interruption. This event served as the precursor to the major 1981 battle.[20]
Hawsh al-Umara 1981 Shelter Massacre December 22–24, 1980 Hawsh al-Umara, Zahle 30 Christians - primarily women & children Syrian Armed Forces, Arab Deterrent Force During the initial heavy bombardment of the 1981 siege, Syrian artillery struck a multi-story building in the Hawsh al-Umara district. The building collapsed onto its own shelter, killing 30 civilians who were seeking refuge. This incident is often cited as the deadliest single event of the three-month siege.[20]
Red Cross Medics Executions April 4, 1981 Zahle 3 Christians - Sister Marie-Sophie Zoghby, Khalil Saydah, and Salim Hammoud. Syrian Armed Forces Despite the Red Cross vehicle being clearly marked, it was targeted by intense Syrian fire while attempting to deliver bread and medicine to local hospitals. The death of Sister Marie-Sophie, a prominent nun and medical worker, caused significant international outcry and led to the brief opening of supply routes later that month.[20]
Siege of Zahleh March 31, 1981 – June 30, 1981 Zahle and surrounding Beqaa outskirts. 200 Christians Syrian Armed Forces (supported by PLA units). A three-month total blockade and bombardment of Lebanon's largest Christian city in the Beqaa. Syrian forces blocked all food and medical supplies, systematically targeting schools and hospitals. The battle notably drew in international actors, leading to the "Missile Crisis" when Israel shot down Syrian helicopters and Syria responded by deploying SAM-2 and SAM-6 missiles in the Beqaa. The siege ended following U.S.-led mediation by Philip Habib.

Casualties: 200 civilians killed; 2,000+ injured.[20]

Zahleh Spillover Shelling April 2, 1981 East Beirut and West Beirut (near the Demarcation Line). 45 Christians Syrian Armed Forces As a reaction to the clashes in Zahleh, the Syrian military launched an intensive bombardment of East Beirut during peak business and school hours. In retaliation, the Lebanese Forces (LF) shelled Muslim-populated residential areas near the "Green Line." This single day of reciprocal shelling resulted in one of the highest civilian death tolls of the year in the capital.

Casualties: 45 civilians killed; 200+ injured.[20]

Military Hospital and Baabda Offensive April 6, 1981 Galerie Semaan, Hadath, and Baabda (Beirut suburbs) 10 Christians Lebanese Army Syrian Armed Forces Syrian forces targeted Lebanese Army positions, resulting in the partial destruction of the Military Hospital, specifically its emergency and operating facilities. The fighting expanded into the southern suburbs of Baabda and Hadath, where civilian residential blocks were caught in the crossfire of heavy artillery.

Casualties: 10 civilians killed; 67 injured.[20]

Northern Suburbs Bombardment 1981 May 10, 1981 Ajaltun, Jounieh, Harissa, Beit Mery, and Ain Saadeh. 18 Christians Syrian Armed Forces Syrian artillery expanded its range beyond the city center to hit the northern and eastern mountain suburbs. These areas were previously considered relatively safe havens for displaced persons. The shelling of Jounieh and Harissa specifically targeted the infrastructure of the Maronite heartland.

Casualties: 18 civilians killed; 170 wounded.[20]

May 18 Beirut Shelling May 18, 1981 Throughout Beirut 25 Christians Syrian Armed Forces A renewed peak in hostilities led to widespread bombardment across the capital's residential sectors. This period of violence contributed to the mass exodus of approximately 100,000 civilians fleeing East Beirut toward the relative safety of the Metn mountains and the North.

Casualties: 25 civilians killed; 118 wounded.[20]

Lebanon Hostage Crisis July 19, 1982 - December 4, 1991 West Beirut Beqaa Valley Hundreds of Lebanese + at least 8 foreigners 104 foreign hostages including Americans, French, British & Soviets and many Lebanese intellectuals and academics. Hezbollah operating under the front name Islamic Jihad Organization A decade-long campaign of systematic abductions designed to force the withdrawal of Western forces from Lebanon and secure the release of Shia prisoners held abroad. Victims were often held in underground cells, blindfolded for years, and subjected to torture or mock executions. While most were eventually released through complex international negotiations (such as the Iran-Contra affair), several high-profile captives were murdered or died from medical neglect.[43]
Assassination of Bachir Gemayel September 14, 1982 Achrafieh 27 Bachir Gemayel & 26 other Lebanese Christians Habib Shartouni, a member of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP). Shartouni lived in the apartment above the headquarters and was recruited by Syrian intelligence (specifically Nabil Alam) to plant the device. On September 14, 1982, President-elect Bachir Gemayel was assassinated when a powerful bomb destroyed the Kataeb Party headquarters in Ashrafieh. The blast killed Gemayel and 26 others. The perpetrator was later identified as Habib Shartouni, a member of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) acting on behalf of Syrian intelligence. The assassination occurred only nine days before Gemayel's scheduled inauguration and triggered a chain of events.[20]
Sabra and Shatila massacre September 16, 1982 West Beirut 460–3,500 Palestinians and Lebanese Shiites Lebanese Forces (attack)
Israel Defense Forces (support) 		Sabra and Shatila were Palestinian refugee camps housing both Sunni and Christian Palestinian refugees, as well as some poor Lebanese and Kurds. The Phalanges attacked the camp in retaliation for the assassination of President Bachir Gemayel.
Mountain war massacres 1983 South Mount Lebanon 1,500 - 3,500 Christians Druze Druze forces massacred hundreds of Christian civilians, ethnically cleansing South Mount Lebanon from Christian presence.
1983 Beirut barracks bombing October 23, 1983 Beirut 307 Americans, French and Lebanese Hezbollah under the guise of Islamic Jihad Organization Victims were mostly American Marines.
1984 Sohmor massacre September 20, 1984 Sohmor 13 Shia Muslims Israel Defence Forces, and South Lebanon Army
War of the Camps May 1985 West Beirut 3,781 Palestinians Amal, Syrian Armed Forces Sabra, Shatila and Burj el-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camps were besieged and bombed by the Shi'ite Amal militia, with Syrian Army support. 6,787 injured. Some activity occurred after May 1985
​War of the Shia Brothers April 1988 – November 1990 Dahieh Southern Lebanon 2500-3000 Shia Muslims Hezbollah, Amal A violent struggle for leadership within the Shia community involving house-to-house urban combat and heavy artillery duels in mountain villages. It was marked by summary executions and "identity card" killings.[44]
Dahr al-Wahsh massacre October 1990 Dahr al-Wahsh, Aley 75–80 Lebanese Syrian Armed Forces Dahr al-Wahsh has received attention as the site of an October, 1990 conflict termed the "Dahr al-Wahsh massacre" by Middle-East studies professor Mordechai Nisan.[45] Interpretation and description of the event varies according to source.
October 13 massacre October 13, 1990 Beirut 740–940 Christians Syrian Armed Forces 2000 injured; Maronite Lebanese soldiers and civilians were killed by Syrian forces after surrender.
Hezbollah-Syrian Transnational Abductions 1990 - 2005 Lebanon ~640 to 1,200 documented individuals (presumed dead) Lebanese Citizens Hezbollah, Syrian Intelligence Between 1990 and 2005, during the period of Syrian military presence in Lebanon, a campaign of enforced disappearances targeted Lebanese citizens and political activists. Human rights groups such as SOLIDE and ICTJ estimate that between 640 and 1,200 individuals were abducted by groups controlled by Hezbollah and Syrian intelligence. Many of these victims were reportedly transferred to detention centers in Syria, and in the absence of evidence of life, are presumed deceased.[46]
Post Civil War
Name Date Location Deaths Victims Perpetrators Notes
Mansouri attack April 13, 1996 Mansouri 6 Shia Muslims Israel Defense Forces
Nabatieh Fawka attack April 16, 1996 Nabatieh Fawka 9 Shia Muslims Israel Defense Forces
First Qana Massacre April 18, 1996 Qana 106 Shia Muslims Israel Defense Forces The Israel Defense Forces fired artillery shells at a United Nations compound, which had given refuge to 800 Lebanese civilians. 116 injured in addition to 106 deaths.
Rafic Hariri Bombing Feb 14, 2005 Beirut 22 Former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, his security detail, and bystanders in a busy commercial district. Hezbollah A massive suicide truck bomb containing over 2,000kg of explosives was detonated as Hariri’s motorcade passed. The blast was so powerful it left a crater 10 meters wide and destroyed multiple surrounding buildings, causing high civilian casualties.

Casualties: 22 deaths; 226 wounded.

Location: St. George Hotel area, Beirut, Lebanon.

Perpetrators: Hezbollah (Specifically Salim Ayyash of "Unit 121," as determined by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon).[47]

Gebran Tueni Bombing December 12, 2005 Beirut 4 Christians. Gebran Tueni (MP and Editor of An-Nahar), his driver, his bodyguard, and one bystander. Hezbollah A parked car containing 40kg of explosives was detonated as Tueni’s armored vehicle passed. The blast occurred in a busy industrial/commercial area, causing significant injuries to nearby civilians and structural damage to surrounding buildings.

Casualties: 4 deaths; 32 wounded.

Location: Mkalles, Eastern Beirut.

Perpetrators: Hezbollah (Unit 121).[48]

2006 War - Indiscriminate Fire & Human Shielding July 12 - Aug 14, 2006 Southern Lebanon, Beqaa Valley, Dahieh 43 Israeli civilians and ~1,109 Lebanese civilians Lebanese civilians, Israeli Civilians Hezbollah During the 34-day conflict, Hezbollah launched approximately 4,000 Katyusha rockets and other projectiles into civilian population centers in Northern Israel. Human Rights Watch investigated the attacks and concluded they were "indiscriminate" and, in many cases, deliberate attacks on civilians, constituting war crimes.[49] Reports from the UN and human rights groups noted that Hezbollah frequently stored weaponry in residential buildings and launched rockets from the immediate vicinity of civilian homes and shelters. By failing to distinguish themselves from the civilian population and utilizing civilian infrastructure for military purposes, Hezbollah violated the laws of war, directly contributing to the high civilian death toll from Israeli counter-strikes.[50]
Second Qana Massacre July 30, 2006 Qana 28 Shia Muslims Israeli Air Force
Marjayoun Convoy Incident August 11, 2006 Kefraya 7 Red Cross Israel Air Force The IDF bombed a 359 vehicles convoy which was granted right of safe passage from the IDF, mediated through the UNIFIL. A reporter confirmed that the Red cross and Civil defense coming to aid the convoy were also bombed, which resulted in the death of a Red Cross volunteer
Pierre Gemayel Assassination November 21, 2006 Beirut 2 Christians. Pierre Gemayel (Minister of Industry) and his bodyguard, Samir Chartouni. Hezbollah In a departure from car bombings, Gemayel’s convoy was rammed by another vehicle in broad daylight. Three gunmen emerged and opened fire with silenced automatic weapons at close range. The brazen nature of the attack in a crowded suburb caused massive political unrest.

Location: Jdeideh, Northern Beirut Suburbs.

Perpetrators: Hezbollah (Unit 121).[51]

Francois al-Hajj Bombing December 12, 2007 Baabda 5 Christians + Major-General Francois al-Hajj and his bodyguard. Hezbollah A car bomb targeted al-Hajj, who was the head of operations for the Lebanese Army and a candidate for Army Commander. The blast occurred near the Presidential Palace, killing three civilians in addition to the military targets.

Location: Baabda, Mount Lebanon.

Perpetrators: Hezbollah (Unit 121).[52]

May 2008 Conflict May 7-14, 2008 Beirut, Alley, Chouf, Beqaa Valley, Akkar 81-110 Druze PSP, Lebanese Sunni Muslims Future Movement Hezbollah, Amal, SSNP ​The conflict was sparked by two cabinet decrees on May 5, 2008, which declared Hezbollah's private fiber-optic network illegal and dismissed the airport’s security chief over alleged ties to the group. Hezbollah characterized the moves as a "declaration of war" against its resistance infrastructure. In response, opposition forces seized West Beirut, forcing the government to rescind the orders via the Arab League-mediated Doha Agreement.[53]
Wissam al-Hassan Bombing (Ashrafieh) December 19, 2012 Achrafieh Beirut 8 Wissam al-Hassan (ISF Intelligence Chief), his driver, and several civilians. Hezbollah One of the most devastating Unit 121 attacks. A massive car bomb was detonated in a densely populated residential and shopping district. Because of the location and time of day, the vast majority of the 110 casualties were non-combatant residents and shoppers.

Casualties: 8 deaths; 110 wounded

Location: Sassine Square, Ashrafieh, Beirut.

Perpetrators: Hezbollah (Unit 121).[54]

Beirut Port Explosion August 4, 2020 Beirut 218+ Lebanese civilians, mostly Christians Hezbollah (alleged - see notes) One of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. It destroyed the grain silos and leveled much of the Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods.[55]

Investigation Interference and Obstruction: Since 2020, the judicial investigation into the Beirut Port explosion has been repeatedly stalled by political interference. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented a "culture of impunity," noting that Hezbollah and its allies have used legal maneuvers and direct threats to obstruct the work of Judge Tarek Bitar. In late 2021, Hezbollah security chief Wafiq Safa reportedly threatened to "uproot" Bitar. Following the 2021 Tayyouneh clashes, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused the investigation of being "politicized" and a "tool of foreign influence." As of 2024, the probe remains largely paralyzed due to non-cooperation from state security agencies and the refusal of the Ministry of Interior to execute warrants. [56]

2023 Ainata airstrike November 5, 2023 Ainata 4 Shia Muslims Israel Air Force Three children and their grandmother were killed by an Israeli air attack in Ainata, south Lebanon.[57][58]
August 2024 Nabatieh attack August 17, 2024 Nabatieh 11+ Syrian refugees Israel Air Force
2024 Lebanon electronic device attacks September 17-18, 2024 Cities across Lebanon 42 Hezbollah Israel
2024 Beirut medical center airstrike October 4, 2024 Beirut 9+ Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force
2024 Derdghaya Melkite Church airstrike October 9, 2024 Derdghaya 8+[59] Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force
October 2024 Bachoura airstrike October 10, 2024 Beirut 22+[60] Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force
October 2024 Aitou airstrike October 14, 2024 Aitou 23 Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force 8+ injured; victims include 12 women and 2 children
Attack on Nabatieh municipal council October 16, 2024 Nabatieh 16+ Shia Muslims Israel Air Force Israel conducted ten airstrikes on the municipal headquarters in Nabatieh, while municipal staff were having a meeting inside and co-ordinating aid for civilians remaining in the town. The airstrike killed at least 16 municipality staff, including the mayor of Nabatieh, Ahmad Kahil, and injured at least 52 others.[61]
2024 Beqaa Valley airstrikes October 28, 2024 Beqaa Valley 60+ Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force 117+ Injured
Barja attack November 7, 2024 Barja 30+ Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force The strike targeted a residential building housing displaced people killing over 30 and injuring 14 others.[62]
2024 Akkar airstrike November 11, 2024 Ain Yaaqoub 15+ Hezbollah Shia Muslims and Syrians Israel Air Force
Basta airstrikes November 23, 2024 Beirut 29+ Hezbollah Shia Muslims Israel Air Force
2025 Bint Jbeil drone strike September 21, 2025 Bint Jbeil 5 Shia Muslims/Americans Israel Air Force
2025 Ain al-Hilweh airstrike November 18, 2025 Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp 13 Hamas Palestinians Israel Air Force
November 2025 Israeli attack in Beirut November 23, 2025 Beirut 5 Hezbollah Haytham Ali Tabatabai, the senior commander of Hezbollah Israel Air Force 28 others were injured by the attack.[63]

References

  1. ^ "A Brief History of the Maronites." Maronite Foundation. [Online].
  2. ^ Salibi, K. (1988). A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered.
  3. ^ Abu-Husayn, A. (1985). Provincial Rebellions in the Ottoman Empire: The Lebanon Question.
  4. ^ Makdisi, U. (2000). The Culture of Sectarianism: Community, History, and Violence in Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Lebanon.
  5. ^ a b Fawaz, L. T. (1994). An Occasion for War: Civil Conflict in Lebanon and Damascus in 1860.
  6. ^ Harris, W. (2012). Lebanon: A History, 600–2011. Oxford University Press.
  7. ^ Khoury, p. 181.
  8. ^ "مجزرة طرابلس في 13 تشرين الثاني 1943ساهمت في تسريع إعلان إستقلال لبنان!." 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  9. ^ الأسمر, جودي. "حين استشهد 14 طالبًا في طرابلس تحت دبابات الفرنسيين." almodon. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  10. ^ "مقاربة استقلالية... طرابلس تعيد انتاج وطنيتها بعد 17 تشرين". annahar.com. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  11. ^ "شهداء مجزرة الاستقلال في طرابلس… من ينصفهم ومن يخلّد ذكراهم؟ - تراث طرابلس". 17 September 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  12. ^ Tveit, Odd Karsten (2010) Goodbye Lebanon. Israel's First Defeat. Rimal Publication. Translated by Peter Scott-Hansen. ISBN 978-9963-715-03-9. p.368. Quoting General Dov Yermiya.
  13. ^ "Lebanese warlord Franjieh wields power like Mafia don".
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac "Lebanon's legacy of political violence" (PDF). ictj.org. Cite error: The named reference "ictjrep" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  15. ^ Nisan, 2003
  16. ^ ictj (29 July 2014). "Attack on Chekka and Hamat". Civil Society Knowledge Centre. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  17. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  18. ^ "The historiography and the memory of the Lebanese civil war". sciencespo.fr.
  19. ^ ictj (29 July 2014). "Christian civilians killed and displaced in Chouf". Civil Society Knowledge Centre. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence: A Mapping of Serious Violations (PDF) (Report). International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). 2013. p. 31. Cite error: The named reference "ICTJ_Mapping" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  21. ^ ictj (30 July 2014). "Christian massacres in Chouf and in West Beirut". Civil Society Knowledge Centre. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  22. ^ ictj (30 July 2014). "Massacre of St. George Church in Brih". Civil Society Knowledge Centre. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  23. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  24. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  25. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  26. ^ Sune Haugbolle (25 October 2011). "The historiography and the memory of the Lebanese civil war". Mass Violence.
  27. ^ N. Kliot (January 1987). "The Collapse of the Lebanese State". Middle Eastern Studies. 23 (1): 54–74. doi:10.1080/00263208708700688. JSTOR 4283154.
  28. ^ "Six major leaders killed in Lebanon since 1943". The Telegraph. 2 June 1987. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  29. ^ Muhamad Mugraby (July 2008). "The syndrome of one-time exceptions and the drive to establish the proposed Hariri court" (PDF). Mediterranean Politics. 13 (2): 171–194. doi:10.1080/13629390802127513. S2CID 153915546. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 October 2013.
  30. ^ "Suleiman Franjiyah". Wars of Lebanon. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
  31. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  32. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  33. ^ Sawan and Jabbour, Burden of Trust: The true story of the Commander of the SADM Unit (2020), pages 35-41.
  34. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  35. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  36. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  37. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  38. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  39. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  40. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  41. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  42. ^ "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2014.
  43. ^ Jaber, Hala (1997). Hezbollah: Born with a Vengeance. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231110754.
  44. ^ Dionigi, Filippo (18 March 2020). "Lebanon's Amal and Hezbollah: The Past in the Present". LSE Middle East Centre Blog. London School of Economics.
  45. ^ Nisan, Mordechai (2003). The Conscience of Lebanon: A Political Biography of Etienne Sakr (Abu-Arz). Routledge. pp. 94–95. ISBN 0-7146-5392-6.
  46. ^ Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence: A Mapping of Serious Violations (PDF) (Report). International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). September 2013.
  47. ^ "The Ayyash et al. Case (STL-11-01)". Special Tribunal for Lebanon. United Nations. 18 August 2020.
  48. ^ "Writing was on the wall for Tueni". Al Jazeera. 21 December 2005. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  49. ^ Civilians under Assault: Hezbollah's Rocket Attacks on Israel in the 2006 War (Report). Human Rights Watch. 28 August 2007.
  50. ^ Fatal Strikes: Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon (Report). Human Rights Watch. 11 August 2006. Hezbollah's practice of storing weapons in and launching rockets from residential areas... violated the legal duty to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians.
  51. ^ "Gunmen assassinate Lebanese minister". The Guardian. 21 November 2006.
  52. ^ "Timeline: Lebanon assassinations". Al Jazeera. 13 February 2008.
  53. ^ Human Rights Watch (2009). "World Report 2009: Lebanon" (PDF). Human Rights Watch.
  54. ^ "Profile: Wissam al-Hassan". Al Jazeera. 21 October 2012.
  55. ^ "They Killed Us from the Inside". Human Rights Watch. 2021.
  56. ^ "Lebanon: Targeted Attacks on Port Investigation". Human Rights Watch. 2021.
  57. ^ "Family, including three children, killed by Israeli attack in south Lebanon". Al Jazeera. 5 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  58. ^ "A woman and 3 children are killed by an Israeli airstrike in south Lebanon, local officials say". Al-Ahram. Associated Press. 5 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  59. ^ CNA. "Israeli missile destroys Catholic church in Lebanon; at least 8 dead". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  60. ^ Tanno, Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Sophie (10 October 2024). "October 10, 2024 Middle East war news". CNN. Retrieved 8 April 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  61. ^ "Lebanon: Mayor and 15 others killed in Israeli strike". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  62. ^ The New Arab Staff. "Massacre in Lebanon as over 30 killed by Israeli strike". The New Arab. Archived from the original on 7 November 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  63. ^ Burke, Jason (23 November 2025). "Hezbollah chief of staff killed in Beirut airstrike, Israeli military says". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.