Title: “When the past resonates in the present: the Drakkar attack in Beirut, a wound that remains raw”
Introduction :
Forty years after the Drakkar attack in Beirut, which cost the lives of 58 French soldiers, the memory of this tragedy remains engraved in the memories of the rare survivors. As commemorations took place in Paris in tribute to the victims, former soldiers expressed their concern about the current situation in Lebanon. Indeed, the recent clashes between Israel and Hamas are reviving fears of an escalation of violence which could spill over into Lebanese territory. In this article, we will return to the Drakkar attack, its impact on survivors and the current issues that resonate with this tragedy.
The drama of the Drakkar:
On October 23, 1983, a building housing French paratroopers from the Multinational Security Force in Beirut was devastated by an explosion. Of the 73 soldiers present, 58 lost their lives, making this attack the worst human loss suffered by the French army in decades. The poignant images of this tragedy left their mark, notably that of a young soldier holding the hand of his comrade buried under the rubble. The survivors still bear the after-effects of this trauma today.
The continuing mystery:
Responsibility for the Drakkar attack has long been attributed to the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, supported by Iran. However, some survivors and members of the Association of Survivors and Families Victims of the Drakkar attack question this version of the facts. They raise the possibility that the building was booby-trapped by the Syrian secret services, which previously occupied it. This ongoing controversy still surrounds this tragic event.
Concern about the escalation of violence:
Today, survivors of the Drakkar attack are worried about the current situation in Lebanon. Recent clashes between Israel and Hamas, as well as tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on the Israeli-Lebanese border, revive their fears of a new escalation of violence. Survivors express their solidarity with French soldiers currently deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who are working to avoid any regional escalation.
Conclusion :
Forty years after the Drakkar attack, the wound is still raw for the survivors and the victims’ families. Controversy surrounding responsibility for this historic attack persists, as do concerns over current tensions in Lebanon. The Drakkar attack remains a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by the French armed forces in peacekeeping missions. At this time of turmoil in the Middle East, it is essential to remember this tragedy to avoid the mistakes of the past and preserve stability in the region.