Title: Discovering the tragic story of the double attack in Beirut in 1983
Introduction:
In contemporary history, many tragic events have left their mark on people’s minds and, among them, the double attack in Beirut which took place in 1983 remains particularly striking. In this article, we will delve into the history of this attack and discover the details of this tragedy which cost the lives of many French soldiers.
The context of the Lebanese conflict:
To understand the reasons behind this double attack, it is important to look back into the context of the Lebanese conflict at the time. Since 1975, Lebanon had been torn apart by a violent civil war between different political and religious factions. The situation was chaotic and the country was ravaged by fighting.
The creation of the Multinational Security Force in Beirut:
In September 1982, the UN created the Multinational Security Force in Beirut (FMSB) to protect the Lebanese civilian population and help the Lebanese government restore its authority. This force is composed mainly of American, Italian and French troops, with a total strength of 2,000 soldiers.
The attack on the American headquarters:
On October 23, 1983, a suicide attack by a suicide bomber targeted the American army headquarters in Beirut. The explosion killed 241 people, including 220 US marines, making it the deadliest death toll for the United States since World War II. This first attack marks the start of this tragic day.
The attack against the Drakkar, the French cantonment:
A few minutes after the attack on the American headquarters, a second attack occurred at the Drakkar, one of the FMSB’s French cantonments. A truck bomb explodes in front of the building, causing the death of 58 French paratroopers. This attack is the deadliest for the French army since the Indochina War in 1954.
The consequences and questions:
Following this attack, the country is in shock and strong emotion is felt in France. The coffins of French soldiers killed in Beirut are gathered at Les Invalides during a moving ceremony. U.S. officials blame the attack on Lebanese Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. However, some survivors question the official version and wonder about the exact circumstances of the explosion.
Conclusion:
The Drakkar attack in Beirut in 1983 remains a tragic and significant event in contemporary history. It recalls the violence and complexity of the Lebanese conflict of the time, as well as the sacrifices of the soldiers engaged in the Multinational Security Force. Forty years after this tragedy, questions about the circumstances of the attack remain, testifying to the importance of the search for truth to honor the memory of the victims.