June 13, 1982 · Beirut Theater
June 13, 1982
For ten weeks from mid-June to late August 1982, Israeli forces besieged West Beirut, where approximately 6,000 PLO fighters and Syrian troops were sheltered among the civilian population. Israel imposed a naval blockade and conducted intensive air strikes and artillery bombardment. International pressure mounted as civilian casualties rose, with one day — August 12 — seeing eleven hours of continuous bombing that killed hundreds. US envoy Philip Habib negotiated a ceasefire and PLO evacuation.
Commanders