Chronology of the Conflict

Saturday, August 2nd: The fighting in Arsal broke out after Lebanese soldiers detained an alleged member of Al Nusra Front (NF), resulting in tensions between the two sides. Following the incidents, four Lebanese nationals were killed, including two soldiers, and several others were seized, as rebels roamed the streets while Lebanese helicopters hovered overhead. The Lebanese army reported that eight of its soldiers have been killed in the clashes.1

Sunday, August 3rd: The fighting continues in Arsal. Throughout the night, troops battled the gunmen who fired mortar shells at Arsal and the surrounding region as stated by the Lebanese army.2 Lieutenant Colonel Dani Harb was killed in the process.3

Monday, August 4th: Two members of the , identified as Capt. Dani Fouad Khairallah and soldier Ali Mohammad Khadaro, were killed overnight during clashes around Arsal.4

Wednesday, August 6th: Seventeen Lebanese soldiers have died in the fighting, and 19 soldiers are reported to still be held captive by the armed militants (ISIS and Al- Nosra front) who released three soldiers and six internal security forces officers (ISF).

Wednesday, August 6th: The Lebanese Army deterred a militant attack against its positions in Ain Shaab region-west of Arsal. A number of militants were killed in this attack.5

Thursday, August 7th: 's government announced that 12,000 extra troops would be deployed to the area. Militants began their withdrawal under a cease-fire

1 “Chaos as rebels raid Lebanon border town of Arsal”, BBC news Middle East, English, August 3rd, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28624524 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 2 “Lebanese soldiers die as Syria rebels raid border town”, BBC news Middle East, English, August 3rd, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28628747 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 3“Lieutenant Colonel Dani Harb killed in Arsal clashes”, LBC news, English, August 5th, 2014, http://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/170279/report-lieutenant-colonel-dani-harb-killed-in-arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 4 “Nation mourns more soldiers slain in Arsal”, The Daily Star, English, August 6th, 2014, http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-06/266204-nation-mourns-more-soldiers-slain-in- arsal.ashx#axzz3Cu4VjrkZ [ last accessed November 19th, 2014].

5 “Army deters attack in Ain Shaab”, National News Agency, English, August 6th, 2014, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/31087/Army-deters-attack-in-Ain-Shaab [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. agreement with the Lebanese Army that came after a four-day siege aimed at liberating the northeastern border town.6 The conflagration in Arsal appeared close to a conclusion.7

Friday, August 8th: The Lebanese army regained control of the Arsal area where thousands were deployed in the hills.8

Saturday, August 9th: The Lebanese Red Cross found the body of a dead soldier killed in the first days of the fight at Hosen in Arsal.9

Tuesday, August 12th: The Lebanese Army collected seven dead bodies belonging to the armed militants in the vicinity of Arsal.10

Sunday, August 17th: Pockets of fighting were still ongoing in the flashpoint town of Arsal and the region, according to reports. The Lebanese Armed Forces arrested 12

6 “Syrian Islamist rebels 'withdraw from Lebanese town after truce”, BBC news Middle East, English, August 7th, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28693530 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 7 “Rakan Al-Fakih/Nidal Al-Solh, Militants begin withdrawal from Arsal”, The Daily Star, English, August 7th, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-07/266338-militants-begin-withdrawal-from- arsal.ashx?utm_source=Magnet&utm_medium=Related%20Articles%20page&utm_campaign=Magnet%20tools#axzz 3Co6WcRNa [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 8 "The Lebanese Army regains control of Arsal”,The National News Agency , ,August 8th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/show-news/109821/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%82- %D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4- %D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A- %D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%AF- %D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89- %D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-500-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD- %D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89- %D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81- %D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B4.%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7-%D9%81%D9%8A- %D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%A7 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 9"The corpse of a Lebanese soldier who was killed during the first days of the incidents has been found at Arsal”, Al Marada website, Arabic, August 9th, 2014, http://www.elmarada.org/politics/latest-news/90850-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1- %D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AC%D8%AB%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A- %D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84- %D8%A3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%83- %D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84 [last accessed November 19th, 2014].

10“Army collects seven bodies belonging to militants in Arsal vicinity”, National News Agency, English, August 12th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/31489/Army-collects-seven-bodies-belonging-to-militants-in-Arsal-vicinity [last accessed November 19th, 2014 ]. persons belonging to the armed groups that fought the army in the eastern Bekaa town in early August.11

Friday, August 22nd: A large number of the armed groups moved in Arsal’s mountains.12

Wednesday, August 27th: Syrian military planes carried out raids on Arsal outskirts and the region that separates between Arsal mountainous region and the borders, targeting armed militants in the area.13

Thursday, August 28th: One Lebanese soldier was reported missing after that his four comrades were rescued from a militant ambush on the outskirts of the northeastern town of Arsal.14

In the same day, an armed group of the ISIS and the Nusra Front intercepted an Army patrol in Rahwe, in Arsal Mountains, which led to violent clashes between the two sides. One military person was killed, three other wounded and one went missing. 15 Moreover, the militants attacked the Lebanese Army checkpoint in Wadi Hmeid, the Army repelled them, killing and wounding several militants.16

11 “Arsal militants snared by LAF trap which catches 12, with two ISF soldiers released”, Annahar Newspaper, English, August 18th, 2014,, http://en.annahar.com/article/162250-arsal-militants-snared- by-laf-trap-whichp-which-catches-12-with-two-isf-soldiers.[last accessed November 19th, 2014] 12"Large number of Syrian armed militants moved at Arsa”, Lebanon Files, Arabic, August 22nd, 2014, http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news/761110 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 13 “Syrian raids on Arsal mountainous regions”, National News Agency, English, August 27th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32196/Syrian-raids-on-Arsal-mountainous-regions [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 14 “Lebanese army shells missing positions along northeastern border”, The Daily Star, English, August 28th, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Aug-28/268770-lebanese-army-shells-militant-positions-along- northeastern- border.ashx?utm_source=Magnet&utm_medium=Related%20Articles%20page&utm_campaign=Magnet%20tools#axz z3Co6WcRNa [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 15 “One army martyr, three wounded in Arsal clashes”, National News Agency, English, August 28th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32291/One-army-martyr-three-wounded-in-Arsal-clashes [last accessed November 19th, 2014]; “Army shells locations for terrorists in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, August 28th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32280/Army-shells-locations-for-terrorists-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 16 “Army deters attack by gunmen on Wadi Hmeid, National News Agency, English, August 28th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32249/Army-deters-attack-by-gunmen-on-Wadi-Hmeid [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. Tuesday, September 2nd: A group of the relatives of the abducted soldiers tried to kidnap 18 Syrians in Shmestar and locked them inside a warehouse, but the Syrians managed to break the door of the warehouse and escape.17

Thursday, September 4th: "Daesh" (ISIS) executed the citizen, Kayed Ghadada, who was kidnapped from the town of Arsal last week.18 Saturday, September 6th: A second Lebanese soldier taken hostage by Islamic State (ISIS) militants has been beheaded.19

Additionally, sounds of artillery and mortar shells are heard at Wadi Raayan, resulting from clashes between the Lebanese army and armed militants two rockets launched from the eastern chain fell in the vicinity of the public High School, with no damages inflicted. A mortar shell also fell in the town of al Amhazieh in northern Bekaa without causing damage.20

Thursday, September 11th: The Lebanese Army Command's Guidance Directorate said that the army suspected a Kia car that contained 100 kg of explosives with Syrian plate, connected to electric wires. The Lebanese Army explosive experts defused on Thursday a car bomb in Wadi Hamid at Arsal outskirts. 21

Friday, September 12th: Suspected Nusra Front and ISIS militants attacked several stone quarries near Arsal’s hills, destroying equipment and stealing bulldozers.22

17 “18 Syrians foil abduction attempt by relatives of kidnapped soldiers”, National News Agency, English, September 2nd, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32512/18-Syrians-foil-abduction-attempt-by-relatives-of- kidnapped-soldiers [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 18 “Daesh terrorists execute citizen from Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 4th, 2014,, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32664/Daash-terrorists-execute-citizen-from-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 19 “IS beheads second Lebanese soldier”, BBC news Middle East, English, September 6th, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29096909 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 20 “Severe clashes in "Wadi Re'yan" in Arsal outskirts”, National News Agency, English, September 6th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32771/Severe-clashes-in-Wadi-Re-39-yan-in-Arsal-outskirts [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 21 “Car carrying 75-100kg of explosives dismantled in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 11th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33038/Army-Car-carrying-100-kg-of-explosives- dismantled-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014].

22“Suspected militants attack quarries outside Lebanon's Arsal, steal bulldozers”, The Daily Star, English, September 12th, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Sep-12/270491-suspected-militants-attack- quarries-outside-lebanons-arsal-steal-bulldozers.ashx#ixzz3DO2AKrdA [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. Saturday, September 13th: An armed group kidnapped Lebanese national, Ahmad Houjeiry, hails from Arsal.23

Monday, September 15th: Several jihadists were killed and wounded in gun battles with the Lebanese army.24

Wednesday, September 17th: The Lebanese Army Command - Orientation Directorate reported an attack against its members at a checkpoint in Wady el Hosn - Arsal. The army members responded to the attack with fire to disperse assaulters, causing the injury of citizen Khaled Ahmad al Hojairy and 4 others. 25 In the same day, Armed men abducted the Lebanese army first adjutant, Kamal Hujairi, the armed men took Hujairi to an unknown destination.26 Moreover, some locals closed Arsal road next to the medical center protesting measures taken by the Lebanese army to forbid the transport of gasoline and diesel to Arsal's mountainous region, where militants are stationed. 27

Friday, September 19th: A bomb exploded at Arsal, while a military vehicle was passing by leaving two Lebanese army soldiers killed and three injured.28 The army responded to the sources of fire targeting it, from gunmen strongholds in Arsal terrains. The shooting caused the killing of Syrian Ahmad Mohammad Dorra, and the injury of Jamal Abdullah al Hojairy.29 Furthermore, syrian air forces raided the posts of armed militants in the outskirts of Arsal.30

23 “Lebanese kidnapped in outskirts of Arsal”, National News Agency,English, September 13th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33129/Lebanese-kidnapped-in-outskirts-of-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 24 “Army foils militants' infiltration in Fleita”, Naharnet, English, September 15th, 2014, http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/147620-militants-dead-and-injured-in-infiltration-clash-with-army [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 25 “Attack against army in Wady el Hosn”, National News Agency, English, September 17th, 2014, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33364/LAF-Attack-against-army-in-Wady-el-Hosn [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 26 “Armed men kidnap adjutant Hujairi in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 17th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33362/Army-Armed-men-kidnap-adjutant-Hujairi-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 27 “Locals block Arsal road near dispensary”, National News Agency, English, September 17th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33307/Locals-block-Arsal-road-near-dispensary [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 28 “Two martyrs, three wounded as bomb goes off in Arsal”, Al Joumhouriya, English, September 19th, 2014, http://www.aljoumhouria.com/news/index/170334 [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 29 “Army responds to fire in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 19th, 2014, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33492/Army-responds-to-fire-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 30 “Syrian warplanes raid Arsal outskirts”, National News Agency, English, September 19th, 2014,

Tuesday, September 23rd: Syrian war planes effectuated two air raids targeting militants in Burj Al-Ghanam in Arsal outskirts along the eastern mountain chain. 31

Thursday, September 25th: The Lebanese Army winded up its raids in Arsal and arrested tens of Lebanese and Syrian men who had earlier attacked its units in the surroundings of contingent 83. Four of the arrested men are affiliated to Nusra Front.32 Moreover, while the Lebanese Army was raiding camps of Syrian refugees in search for wanted individuals in Arsal, three members on a motorcycle tried to burn a Syrian camp next to the first one. The Army immediately opened fire on them killing one person and injuring two others.33 In the same day, a the security operations carried out by the army in Arsal, 22 people were arrested on suspicion of belonging to terrorist organizations which partook in the fighting against the army, a communiqué by Army Command-Guidance Directorate said. Another 36 people were arrested for illegally entering the Lebanese territories and for lack of possessing identification papers.34

Friday, September 26th: Syrian warplanes carried out several raids on Zamarani crossing along the Lebanese-Syrian border targeting militants. 35

http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33466/Syrian-warplanes-raid-Arsal-outskirts [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 31 “Two Syrian raids target militants in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 23rd, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33659/Two-Syrian-raids-target-militants-in-Arsal[last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 32 “Army arrests four Nusra Front militants in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 25th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33813/Army-arrests-four-Nusra-Front-militants-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 33 “One killed, two wounded in attempt to burn Syrian refugee camps in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, Septembr 25th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33808/Army-One-killed-two-wounded-in-attempt-to-burn-Syrian-refugee- camps-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014];“Daash terrorists execute citizen from Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 25th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/32664/Daash-terrorists-execute- citizen-from-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 34 “22 people arrested on suspicion of belonging to terrorist organizations”, National News Agency, English, September 25th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33869/Army-22-people-arrested-on-suspicion-of-belonging-to- terrorist-organizations [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 35 “Syrian warplanes raid Arsal's outskirts”, National News Agency, English, September 26th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33881/Syrian-warplanes-raid-Arsal-39-outskirts [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. The Army foiled a new infiltration attempt by insurgents in Arsal Mountains toward the town, and managed to stop them using artillery and flares which left some of them injured.36 Friday, October 3rd: The Lebanese Army Command's Directorate General said that the army grabbed hold of a bomb weighing 60 kg prepared for explosion inside a waste barrel in Ras As-Serj in Arsal. 37

Saturday, October 4th: A clash is currently going on between Army soldiers and armed militants in the outskirts of Arsal. 38

Wednesday, October 8th: Four gunmen abducted citizen Toufic Wehbi in the Bekaa town of Arsal, and fled towards the village's outskirts.39

Thursday, October 9th: Army units deployed in Wadi Hmayed region in Arsal a terrorist armed group attempt to sneak into one of the military stations.40 Tuesday, october 14th: Clashes occurred between the Lebanese army and gunmen in Wadi Raayan in Arsal terrains, after an attempt by an armed group to infiltrate the Lebanese army posts. The Lebanese army intercepted their advancement attempt towards their posts and town.41

Thursday, October 16th:

36 “Army foils insurgents' new infiltration attempt in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, September 26th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/33874/Army-foils-insurgents-39-new-infiltration-attempt-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 37 “Bomb inside barrel in Arsal outskirts detected”, National News Agency, English, October 3rd, 2014, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34278/Army-Bomb-inside-barrel-in-Arsal-outskirts-detected [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 38 “Clash between soldiers and armed militants in Ersal outskirts”, National News Agency, English, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34309/Clash-between-soldiers-and-armed-militants-in-Ersal-outskirts [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 39 “Gunmen snatch citizen in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, October 8th, 2014, http://www.nna- leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34447/UPDATE-Gunmen-snatch-citizen-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 40 “Army deters attack on army base in Wadi Hmayed”, National News Agency, English, October 9th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34501/Army-deterring-infiltration-attempt-by-terrorist-group-to-Wadi-Hmayed- station [last accessed November 19th, 2014].

41 “Clashes between army and gunmen in Arsal's Wadi Raayan”, National News Agency, English, October 14th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34802/Clashes-between-army-gunmen-in-Arsal-39-Wadi-Raayan [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. The Lebanese Army shot at two individuals on a motorcycle on an illegal earthen road as both refused to stop and abide by a military order. The shot wounded one of them who fell at the hands of the army while the other escaped.42 Sunday, October 19th: Lebanese army units stationed in the town of Arsal fired at an armed group as it attempted to sneak into the town, forcing it to retreat to the eastern outskirts.43

Monday, November 3rd: The army repelled an infiltration attempt by gunmen, the armed men opened fire at army posts in the area, compelling soldiers to respond using medium weapons and machine guns.44

Thursday, November 6th: Two masked gunmen on a motorcycle shot and wounded a Lebanese Army soldier in the northeastern border town of Arsal.45

Friday, November 7th: The Syrian military aircraft raided the Lebanese-Syrian borderline facing Arsal Mountains, targeting militants.46

Monday, November 10th: The Lebanese army dismantled an explosive device placed inside a passenger van belonging to Ahmad Ezzedine, from the town of Arsal, put under the driver's seat with the aim of assassinating him.47

42 “Army shoots motorcycle refusing command in Arsal, arrests two”, National News Agency, English, October 16th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/34889/Army-shoots-motorcycle-refusing-command-in-Arsal-arrests-two [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 43 “Army opens fire on gunmen for trying to infiltrate into Arsal”, National News Agency, English, October 19th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/35028/Army-opens-fire-on-gunmen-for-trying-to-infiltrate-into-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 44 “Army Repels Attack by Gunmen in Arsal”, Naharnet, English, November 3rd, 2014, http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/153671-army-repels-attack-by-gunmen-in-arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 45 “Motorbike gunmen wound soldier in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, November 6th, 2014, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Nov-06/276647-soldier-wounded-in-shooting-attack-in- arsal.ashx#ixzz3IHQNR2Fx [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 46 “Syrian raids at borderline facing Arsal mountains”, National News Agency, English, November 7th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/36016/Syrian-raids-at-borderline-facing-Arsal-mountains [last accessed November 19th, 2014].

47 “Army dismantles explosive device inside passenger van in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, 11/10/2014, ttp://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/36154/Army-dismantles-explosive-device-inside-passenger-van-in-Arsal [last accessed 19/11/2014]

Friday, November 14th: The Lebanese Armed Forces dismantled two bombs wired to explode in Arsal's Wadi-Raayan and Aata in the same location where a bomb exploded earlier this morning. A Lieutenant Colonel, a Sergeant and a soldier of the Army's Fifth Intervention Regiment were injured as their patrol got targeted by aforementioned bomb.48 Therefore, a Lieutenant Colonel and a Sergeant and a soldier of the Army's Fifth Intervention Regiment were injured as their patrol got targeted by a bomb on Raayan-Wadi Aata road in Arsal.49

48 “LAF dismantles two bombs set to explode in”, National News Agency, English, November 14th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/36355/LAF-dismantles-two-bombs-set-to-explode-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014]. 49 “Three military personnel injured in bomb attack in Arsal”, National News Agency, English, November 14th, 2014, http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/36332/Three-military-personnel-injured-in-bomb-attack-in-Arsal [last accessed November 19th, 2014].