Armed Conflict 1st half 2018

Similar to the second half of 2017, Armed Conflicts had the highest intensity during the first semester of 2018, with a total of 137 incidents - mostly sea-border violations from the Israeli Military. Since the beginning of the year, tensions with Israel have been intensified, as the latter started the construction of a controversial separation wall at the Lebanese-Israeli border, which has been contested by Lebanese politicians, as well as civilians.

Although the level of conflictivity in Baalbeck declined during the first semester of 2018, it nonetheless remained a hot-spot for Armed Conflicts, with incidents mainly stemming from disputes between rival families that escalated into clashes involving the use of heavy artillery. Similar clashes often erupt in this area between families and clans who are backed by their own militia.

The level of conflictivity in Saida district remained at an intermediate level mainly due to an escalation in Ain el-Helweh camp. Following 2 failed assassination attempts on February 9 in which a Palestinian Joint Security member as well as a Fatah official were targeted on the same day, clashes erupted within the camp, deteriorating its relatively fragile stability. Since then, there have been recurrent explosions hand grenades being anonymously thrown. The ongoing tensions between Palestinian factions, as well as the precarious socio-economic situation in Ain el-Helweh have perpetuated a volatile security environnement, punctuated by recurrent clashes and explosions.