عاليه

War History of Aley

The city of Aley, situated in the heart of Mount Lebanon at a strategic vantage point overlooking Beirut, has been the scene of numerous conflicts throughout its long history. From feudal battles to the Lebanese Civil War and Zionist aggressions, this region has witnessed continuous resistance and struggle.

Battle of Ain Dara (1711)

In 1711, the decisive Battle of Ain Dara was fought between the Qaysi and Yamani factions near Aley. Emir Haydar Shehab, supported by Druze and Maronite clans, defeated the Ottoman-backed coalition forces. This victory led to the migration of Yamani Druze to the Hauran region of Syria and permanently altered the demographic composition of Mount Lebanon in favor of Maronite Christians.

1860: Mount Lebanon Civil War

The Aley region suffered severe damage during the 1860 civil war between Druze and Maronite communities. This conflict, rooted in socioeconomic tensions, led to French military intervention and the establishment of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate in 1861, which brought a period of relative stability to the region.

World War I and Ottoman Presence

During World War I (1914-1918), Jamal Pasha, commander of the Ottoman Fourth Army, selected Aley as his strategic headquarters. He established a military tribunal in Aley where many Arab and Lebanese nationalists were executed. The remnants of the gallows can still be seen near Casino Piscine Aley to this day.

French Colonial Presence (1920-1943)

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Aley came under French Mandate rule. General Henri Gouraud used Aley as his summer residence, and the city became a base for negotiations with King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Popular resistance against French colonialism remained active throughout this period.

Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)

Due to its strategic location overlooking Beirut and controlling key mountain routes, Aley was heavily impacted during the Lebanese Civil War. Intense fighting occurred between Druze militias of the Progressive Socialist Party led by Walid Jumblatt and Christian forces. The city changed hands multiple times, suffering extensive physical damage and massive population displacement. Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance gradually emerged as the primary force opposing Zionist occupation.

Zionist Aggression and Resistance

Following the Israeli occupation of South Lebanon in 1982, Hezbollah was formed with the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the main resistance force. Aley, as part of Mount Lebanon, witnessed Zionist violations from close proximity. The heroic 33-Day War in July 2006 resulted in a strategic defeat for the Zionist regime and solidified the deterrence power of the resistance axis.

2024-2026 Israeli War on Lebanon

During the recent Zionist aggression in 2024-2026, Aley became one of the primary centers for displaced persons. Over 6,000 displaced people from southern Lebanon sought refuge in Aley. Local authorities, under Zionist pressure and fearing airstrikes, implemented screening procedures for displaced persons regarding Hezbollah affiliation, demonstrating the psychological warfare and pressure on host communities.