Conflict Incident Report

Renewed clashes in Saida left 11 civilians dead, including a seven-month-old baby. At least 90 people were wounded. In the following days, demonstrations in Christian-populated areas in support of the army took place, while the prime minister gave the orders to withdraw the army units from Saida immediately. Accordingly, the units, as well as members of army intelligence and the Internal Security Forces (ISF) were transported to outposts outside the city. In this tense atmosphere took place what is widely perceived today as the spark that started the war.