SUMMARY

The way in which conflicts and actors took form in Lebanon in the 1970s and 1980s makes it somewhat difficult to identify one exact moment when an individual dyad emerged or disappeared. In the case of the Forces of Michel Aoun (also known as Lebanese Army (Aoun)) versus PSP (Progressive Socialist Party) it is, however, clear that there had been a difference in opinion for some time. PSP, which took part in the state-based conflict through the involvement in LNM (Lebanese National Movement), a coalition dominated by PSP, challenged the Christian dominance of the Maronite elites in Lebanon. The coalitions during the civil war were however fluid.

In 1989 the Lebanese Army (Aoun) seized control over the West Beirut ports and declared a blockade against all militia run ports. This was clearly against the interest of PSP, as ports were a means of income. Clashes broke out between the groups and it was not long until the forces of Prime Minister Selim Hoss also joined in the battle against Michel Aoun. Following the outbreak of violence between Aoun’s forces and PSP it did not take long until also the army loyal to Prime Minister Hoss joined in to assist. While the early intention may have been to assist PSP, the violence between Hoss’s forces and those of Aoun is coded as part of the state-based conflict (see Government of Lebanon - Forces of Michel Aoun](/#statebased/532). The conflict between the Druze PSP and Aoun abated and there were no direct clashes leading to casualties in the latter half of the year.

The armed conflict between the two parties developed into a shelling campaign. Both sides exchanged vast amounts of artillery and shell fire throughout the latter part of March 1989.

The non-state conflict between the Forces of Michel Aoun and PSP is first included in UCDP data in 1989. In March of that year violent clashes flared up between the two groups which resulted in over 25 battle-related deaths.