Fighting between the Lebanese army and Fatah al-Islam, a militant group based in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, continues into its second week. While the Lebanese army engages tanks and helicopters in its bombardment of the camp, Fatah al-Islam remains defiant. However, despite the group’s threat to fight to the “last drop of blood”, several members have surrendered to Fatah officials within the camp and have turned over their weapons.
The fighting is the worst internal violence in Lebanon since its civil war. Since fighting began, 109 Lebanese soldiers, militants, and civilians have died. In addition, humanitarian groups still are expressing concern over the conditions within the camp, which lacks access to power and medical supplies. Tens of thousands of refugees have already fled the camp; however, thousands still remain.
Also, on June 4, the violence broke out in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon, Ain al-Hilweh. Two Lebanese soldiers were killed while fighting another militant group, Jund al-Sham. It is believed that the violence in the two camps is loosely related. The fear of the continuing spread of violence led the US government to pledge even more supplies to the Lebanese army, in addition to the $280 million in aid Congress approved last month.
Thus far, the Lebanese government indicted 31 alleged militants of terrorism, being members of the Fatah al-Islam organization, and for forming groups to attack civilians and the Lebanese military and government. If convicted of these charges, the accused may face the death penalty.
For more information please see:
ME Times: “Lebanese army pounds besieged Islamist” 7 June 2007.
The Daily Star: “Lebanese army claims ‘less resistance’ at Nahr al-Bared” 7 June 2007.
ME Times: “Lebanon lays terror charges against Islamist” 6 June 2007.
BBC: “Some Lebanon gunmen ‘surrender’” 5 June 2007.
London Times: “More clashes as second radical group joins attacks in Lebanon” 5 June 2007.
BBC: “Two die as Lebanon clashes spread” 4 June 2007.
London Times: “Two soldiers die as Lebanon fighting spreads” 4 June 2007.
BBC: “Lebanon charges 20 over fighting” 30 May 2007.
