Conflicts of ancient civilizations: The Beqaa Valley has been a battlefield for various civilizations for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Hittites, Assyrians, and Babylonians all fought for control of this fertile valley. Due to its strategic location as a trade route between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, the region was always targeted by great powers.
Roman-Persian battles: During the Roman Empire and Sassanid Persian era, the Beqaa was the scene of numerous battles between these two superpowers. The ancient city of Heliopolis (modern Baalbek) held great religious and military significance.
Ottoman Era and the Great Famine (1914-1918)
Great Famine of Lebanon: During WWI, the Ottoman Empire imposed a blockade against Lebanon leading to the Great Famine. In the Beqaa, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people died from starvation and disease. This famine was deliberately imposed by the Ottoman government as punishment for Lebanese opposition to the Young Turks rule.
Mass executions: The Ottomans hanged their opponents in the Beqaa and dozens of villages were destroyed for collaborating with the Allies.
Lebanese Civil War and the Siege of Zahlé (1975-1990)
Syrian entry into the Beqaa (1976): The Syrian army entered Lebanon as the Arab Deterrent Force and took control of the Beqaa. This presence lasted nearly 30 years.
Siege of Zahlé (1981): Syria besieged Zahlé for 3 months and shelled the city with heavy artillery. This battle was one of the most decisive engagements of the civil war.
Beqaa battles in the civil war: Due to its diverse demographic composition, the Beqaa was the scene of intense sectarian fighting between Christians, Muslims, and Druze.
Israeli Invasion and Occupation (1982-2000)
1982 invasion: Israel invaded Lebanon in June 1982 and heavily bombarded the Beqaa Valley. The Israeli Air Force shot down dozens of Syrian aircraft in the famous air battle over the Beqaa.
Foundation of Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance: Following the Israeli occupation, Hezbollah was founded with Iranian support in the Beqaa. The Beqaa became the main base of the Islamic Resistance against Israeli occupation.
Liberation of the South (2000): The Islamic Resistance led by Hezbollah succeeded in forcing Israel to withdraw from South Lebanon. This was a historic victory for the Axis of Resistance.
The 33-Day War (2006)
Israeli aggression against the Beqaa: In July 2006, Israel launched a massive war against Lebanon and heavily bombed the Beqaa. Bridges, roads, power stations, and agricultural infrastructure in the Beqaa were targeted.
Divine Victory: After 33 days of resistance, Hezbollah defeated the Israeli army and achieved what was called the "Divine Victory."
Syrian Crisis and the Fight Against Extremism (2011-Present)
Qalamoun battles (2014-2017): Hezbollah and the Lebanese army defeated extremist groups including ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra in a major operation in the Qalamoun region on the Syrian border, securing the Beqaa.
Refugee pressure: The Syrian crisis led to the influx of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees into the Beqaa, placing enormous strain on the province's infrastructure.
