Military Action:
Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near...
Military Action:
Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near...
Military Action:
Heavy artillery, rocket and mortar exchanges continue overnight and throughout the day between LAF, PSP and Amal militias; bazookas, light arms fired at IDF HQ in Sidon,...
Military Action:
Fierce fighting continues in north, Nahr al-Bared camp surrounded, occupied by anti-Arafat forces; bomb explodes near Beirut TV station; IDF reinforces positions throughout...
Military Action:
IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian...
Military Action:
Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps hit by intense tank and artillery barrages from anti-Arafat forces, Arafat says Syrian and Libyan units participate; oil storage...
Military Action:
Heavy mortar, artillery, machinegun fire exchanged between LAF and unidentified militiamen in southern Beirut suburbs; Marines reposition main entrance to base, strengthen...
Military Action:
Shelling continues around Souq al-Gharb. Casualties: First 200 refugees evacuated by Red Cross from Deir al-Qamar; prisoner at Ansar camp shot and wounded by IDF.
...
Military Action:
Additional US Marines arrive in Beirut, daily operational strength now ranges from 1800 to 2000.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel presides...
Military Action:
LAF positions at Souq al-Gharb hit by artillery.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: US Deputy Secretary of State says there is circumstantial...
Military Action:
Marines and gunmen exchange fire near university science building; heavy shelling continues around Souq al-Gharb.
Casualties:
2 Marines wounded by RPG.
...Military Action:
Sporadic shelling continues in southern suburbs and Chouf; LAF, PSP and Amal militias reportedly rearming heavily, LAF arsenals contain 5 times the amount of ammunition...
Military Action:
Fighting continues in southern Beirut suburbs and in Chouf between LAF and Amal and PSP militias; IDF convoy attacked in South Lebanon.
Casualties:
18 wounded...
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says Beirut bombings were perpetrated by Syria and by terrorist elements acting under its aegis.
US and Other Countries: US...
Military Action:
300 Marines arrive in Beirut to replace those killed in Sunday's bombing; IDF patrol attacked with grenades and automatic weapons near Tyre.
Casualties:
...
Military Action:
Artillery exchanges outside Tripoli between Syrian forces and PLO loyalists; IDF reportedly preparing troops in South Lebanon for winter conditions.
Casualties:...
Military Action:
US Marine administrative HQ and French paratroop barracks in Beirut destroyed by almost simultaneous truck bomb attacks; responsibility for bombing claimed by Free Islamic...
Military Action:
Fighting continues in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and militiamen.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: Swiss government agrees to host Lebanese reconciliation conference; US says it has been secretly training Jordanian strike force of two 4000-man...
Military Action:
Home-made bomb thrown at French MNF vehicle in Beirut; fighting between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs continues intermittently; car bomb explodes in West Beirut,...
Military Action:
Car bomb explodes as US military convoy passes near Kuwaiti Embassy, approximately 1 mile from airport; fierce fighting reported beteween LAF and PSP forces at Souq al-...
Military Action:
LAF and unidentified gunmen battle near airport, main highway access closed; artillery duels between LAF and PSP forces around Souq al-Gharb; LAF bombards sniper position...
Military Action:
Fighting continues between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs and at Souq al-Gharb and between Druze and Phalange militias in Kharroub; stray shells land near Marine...
Military Action:
Small arms, machine gun and RPG fire hits Marine positions at airport and university science faculty building during 7-hour battle, Marines use Dragon missiles; LAF...
Military Action:
Sniper fire hits Marine positions for second day.
Casualties:
US says 4-5 snipers killed, 10 wounded when Marines return fire; 2 French soldiers in UNIFIL...
Military Action:
LAF and militiamen exchange artillery fire at Araya, east of Beirut; LAF positions in Burj al-Barajneh hit by sniper fire; Marines return fire in three-hour battle with...
Military Action:
Grenade thrown at temporary US Embassy in Beirut; LAF and miltiamen exchange mortar and machine gun fire at Souq al-Gharb; sniping continues in southern Beirut suburbs;...
Military Action:
LAF and Druze exchange artillery and RPG fire around Souq al-Gharb; heavy fighting in Tripoli between pro- and anti-Syrian militias, Syrian artillery shells Islamic...
Military Action:
3 US ships carrying standby Marine force of 2000 leave coast of Lebanon, head for US by way of Indian Ocean.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories...
Military Action:
Security committee agrees to use of 600-800 Greek and Italian troops to monitor cease-fire.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Banks halt...
Military Action:
LAF and militiamen in southern Beirut suburbs continue sporadic fighting.
Casualties:
2 US Marines wounded; US helicopter parked near Marine camp hit by small...
Military Action:
LAF and Shi'ite militiamen exchange small arms and rocket fire in southern Beirut suburbs; explosives thrown at French MNF patrol in Beirut; cease-fire security committee...
Military Action:
Cease-fire holds generally; LAF positions in southern suburbs and in Beirut come under sniper fire; grenade thrown at IDF vehicl in Sidon.
Casualties:
1 LAF...
Military Action:
Commander of IDF-backed local militia in Adloun, South Lebanon, killed by car bomb, PLO says Lebanese and Palestinian resistance is responsible.
Casualties:
...
Military Action:
LAF and Muslim militiamen exchange fire in southern Beirut suburbs; pro- and anti-Syrian militias in Tripoli battle overnight with RPGs, mortars, machine guns; IDF and...
Military Action:
Relatively light exchanges of fire between unidentified gunmen and LAF in southern suburbs; sniper fire directed at Deir al-Qamar; IDF patrol attacked with light arms, RPGs...
Military Action:
Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near Jounieh port, north of Beirut; British MNF patrol fired on in Beirut; US jets buzz Beirut; Baddawi camp comes under rocket and artillery fire as heavy fighting continues, Arafat forces establish positions in Tripoli, shells land in city; head of IDF-backed militia in Nabatiyeh assassinated, fifth attack on militia leaders in two months.
Casualties:
1 civilian killed, unspecified number wounded in shelling in and around Beirut; 1 Marine, 1 LAF soldier wounded; Beirut airport closed to incoming flights; police estimate at least 200 killed, 300 wounded in past 4 days of fighting around Tripoli; oil storage tanks hit again by rocket fire, severe fuel shortage in Beirut, Tripoli; IDF permits limited pedestrian and vehicle traffic across Awali bridges, tension high as thousands of stranded persons wait to cross.
Political Responses:
Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves $2 b. budget cut, new austerity measures, including higher costs for education, health care, economists predict recession, rise in unemployment from current 4%o to 7%o; rallies, strikes, and official expressions of support for Arafat in East Jerusalem, West Bank towns and refugee camps, 1 boy wounded by IDF fire at Dheisheh; IDF announces test mobilization of forces, says it is routine and not meant as threat to Syria.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Resumption of Geneva talks among factional leaders postponed until at least November 20.
Arab Governments: Saudi envoy travels to Damascus to intervene with Assad over Tripoli fighting; Jordan declares support for Arafat; Syrian army, including reservists, mobilized.
Military Action:
Heavy artillery, rocket and mortar exchanges continue overnight and throughout the day between LAF, PSP and Amal militias; bazookas, light arms fired at IDF HQ in Sidon, IDF position near Zahrani river; IDF closes Awali bridges for third consecutive day; Marines close off section of Corniche near British embassy in Beirut; at Tripoli, anti-Arafat forces move toward Baddawi camp, pro-Arafat forces attack positions on Mount Torbol.
Casualties:
3 LAF soldiers, 2 civilians killed, 1 LAF soldier injured; 1 IDF soldier wounded near Sidon; 20 killed, 100 wounded in Tripoli; 12 of 35 fuel storage tanks near Baddawi camp burning.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government says Syria must have known about and given tacit support to Friday's bombing of Tyre IDF HQ.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Head of Islamic Unification Movement in Tripoli says his militia will fight with Arafat; Fateh Central Committee meets in Tunis, expels 10 rebel leaders.
Arab Governments: King Fahd, President Mubarak call on Assad to halt fighting in Tripoli; Egypt denies it is supplying arms to Arafat.
US and Other Countries: Eagleburger leaves Israel after week of meetings, Shamir and Arens to visit US later this month.
Military Action:
Fierce fighting continues in north, Nahr al-Bared camp surrounded, occupied by anti-Arafat forces; bomb explodes near Beirut TV station; IDF reinforces positions throughout South Lebanon.
Casualties:
Deaths from yesterday's bombing in Tyre now put at 32 Palestinians and Lebanese, including detainees and workers, 28 IDF personnel, and 32 wounded; 3 killed in Beirut bomb blast; bridges, highways in South Lebanon closed as IDF conducts intensive search; IDF evicts Lebanese administrators, gendarmes, from municipal building in Sidon; Tripoli casualties put at 50 dead, 100 wounded, total over past three days is 145-240 dead, 500+ wounded; hundreds of refugees flee Baddawi camp; Beirut radio says 100,000 Lebanese and Palestinian civilians in northern Lebanon are without food and electricity.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF reportedly will reduce reliance on Haddad militia in South Lebanon.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese PM Wazzan protests IDF measures to seal off South Lebanon.
Arab Governments: Saudi cabinet calls on Arab states, primarily Syria, to use influence to end Tripoli fighting.
Military Action:
IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian targets in Aley, Bhamdoun and Sofar areas near Beirut-Damascus highway, Syrian positions at Sofar reportedly hit, 16 T-54 tanks destroyed; heavy fighting continues in Tripoli around Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps.
Casualties:
29 IDF personnel, mostly Druze border police, 10 Palestinian and Lebanese detainees killed, 29 Israelis, 3 Palestinians and Lebanese wounded in Tyre bombing, 7 more IDF soldiers wounded when ammunition explodes in rubble; up to 60 killed, 100 wounded in Israeli air attacks, PFLP-GC HQ destroyed; 24-hour curfew imposed on Tyre; 6 prisoners killed at Ansar when bulldozer collapses escape tunnel.
Political Responses:
Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Arens says it doesn't matter who mounteid attack on IDF HQ in Tyre, Lebanon is one big network of murderers and Israel will hit back strongly; advocate Lea Tsemel reveals that Israeli prison service used teargas against 30 Palestinian women prisoners in their cells at Neve Tertza prison on October 3 1.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva talks adjourn, Gemayel to travel to US, European and Arab capitals, talks to resume on November 14; Arafat, under fire in Tripoli, says Syrians want to eliminate him so as to gain control of PLO as part of American-Syrian deal.
US and Other Countries: US Intelligence reportedly focuses on Islamic Amal movement, based in Baalbek, as being associated with Beirut bombings; Defense Department tests and plans to order $200 million worth of Israeli-designed anti-tank weapons, to be manufactured in US.
Military Action:
Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps hit by intense tank and artillery barrages from anti-Arafat forces, Arafat says Syrian and Libyan units participate; oil storage tanks at Tripoli port hit by artillery; IDF patrol hit by explosion near Zahrani river.
Casualties:
50-100 killed, 100-200 wounded in fighting around Tripoli; 3 IDF soldiers wounded near Zahrani.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Deposed mayors Khalaf and Shaka'a placed under house arrest to prevent official meeting with British Foreign Office minister, Shakaa also refused permission to travel to US.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva conference participants agree to put aside issue of May 17 agreement, permit Gemayel time to explore means to end Israeli occupation and ensure national sovereignty; Arafat appeals to Arab and Non-aligned heads of state for support. US and Other Countries: Donald Rumsfeld, Defense Secretary in Ford administration, succeeds McFarlane as Special Envoy to Middle East.
Military Action:
Heavy mortar, artillery, machinegun fire exchanged between LAF and unidentified militiamen in southern Beirut suburbs; Marines reposition main entrance to base, strengthen security.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF closes Bethlehem University for two months after two days of confrontations with students; demonstrations, strikes, rock throwing and curfews mark anniversary of Balfour Declaration in West Bank, East Jerusalem.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva conference particpants agree on statement defining Lebanon's national identity, discuss proposal to freeze May 17 troop withdrawal agreement; Nabih Berri calls for removal of US forces from southern Beirut suburbs.
US and Other Countries: House rejects by 274-153 measure to cut off funds for Beirut operation by March 1, passes by 328-97 largest ever defense appropriation bill, $247 b.
Military Action:
Shelling continues around Souq al-Gharb. Casualties: First 200 refugees evacuated by Red Cross from Deir al-Qamar; prisoner at Ansar camp shot and wounded by IDF.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel warns Lebanon not to abrogate May 17 agreement, says it will keep IDF In South Lebanon, close bridges; free sale of foreign currency banned, dollar sells unofficially for 100 shekels; US Under-secretary of State Eagleburger arrives for wide-ranging talks with senior government officials.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: First substantive rounds of reconciliation talks in Geneva focus on agenda and on opposition by Syria to Israeli-Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement; Israeli and US personnel reportedly active as consultants to Geneva conference participants.
US and Other Countries: Senate Appropriations Com. cuts $220 m. secret funding for Jordanian strike force from 1984 military budget.
Military Action:
Additional US Marines arrive in Beirut, daily operational strength now ranges from 1800 to 2000.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel presides over formal opening of conference on national reconciliation in Geneva.
US and Other Countries: Marine Corps Commandant Kelley defends security measures at Beirut Marine HQ in testimony before Senate Armed Services Committee.
Military Action:
LAF positions at Souq al-Gharb hit by artillery.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: US Deputy Secretary of State says there is circumstantial evidence of rather deep Iranian involvement in the Beirut bombing, retaliation comes in many shapes and sizes.
Military Action:
Marines and gunmen exchange fire near university science building; heavy shelling continues around Souq al-Gharb.
Casualties:
2 Marines wounded by RPG.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: Weinberger says formal inquiry into Beirut bombing will commence soon. Reagan signs National Security Decision directive (NSSD) 111 on policy priorities for Middle East, with emphasis on strengthening ties with Israel.
Military Action:
Sporadic shelling continues in southern suburbs and Chouf; LAF, PSP and Amal militias reportedly rearming heavily, LAF arsenals contain 5 times the amount of ammunition held in latter August.
Casualties:
US Marine deaths in bombing reach 230, French report 56 dead, 2 missing and presumed dead; first group of wounded Marines returns to US, attends press conference.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: National Salvation Front leaders confer in Damascus prior to next week's reconciliation conference in Geneva.
Military Action:
Fighting continues in southern Beirut suburbs and in Chouf between LAF and Amal and PSP militias; IDF convoy attacked in South Lebanon.
Casualties:
18 wounded in fighting between LAF and militias; deaths from Sunday's bombings now reported to be US, 225, French, 56.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Leader of Islamic Amal movement denies any direct or indirect role in Beirut bombings, calls them retribution and a blow for Lebanese dignity and independence; Jumblatt orders release of 1000 civilians under siege in Deir al-Qamar.
US and Other Countries: Foreign ministers of MNF countries meet in Paris, agree to maintain forces in Beirut, Shultz raises possibility of US retaliation for bombing, other states reportedly reluctant; Reagan says those who directed the atrocity must be dealt justice, asks whether the US or the Free World can stand by and see the Middle East incorporated into the Soviet Bloc.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says Beirut bombings were perpetrated by Syria and by terrorist elements acting under its aegis.
US and Other Countries: US Vice President Bush flies to Beirut to inspect destruction of Marine base, says US will not let a bunch of insidious terrorist cowards shape its foreign policy; House Speaker O'Neill (D-MA) tells party caucus it should put patriotism above partisanship and support Reagan in Lebanon; senior officers of MNF units say safety of their forces is impossible to guarantee; France criticizes US policy in both Lebanon and Grenada.
Military Action:
300 Marines arrive in Beirut to replace those killed in Sunday's bombing; IDF patrol attacked with grenades and automatic weapons near Tyre.
Casualties:
General strike and demonstrations in South Lebanon to protest killing of 3 civilians in Sarafand; revised figures in bombings are 214 US, 40 French killed, 20-30 US, unknown number of French missing; 2 IDF soldiers killed near Tyre, IDF fatalities in Lebanon now total 524.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: US Marine Commandant Kelley arrives in Beirut, says he is totally satisfied with security procedures at Marine base prior to Sunday's bombing; Senate Armed Services Committee, after closed session with Defense Secretary, considers Marines' security in Beirut inadequate; US military force invades Grenada.
Military Action:
Artillery exchanges outside Tripoli between Syrian forces and PLO loyalists; IDF reportedly preparing troops in South Lebanon for winter conditions.
Casualties:
Revised casualty figures from Beirut bombings are 191 US, 23 French killed, 75+ US, 15 French wounded, 36 French missing.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bank shares fall 17% as Tel Aviv Stock Exchange resumes full trading.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese organization called Islamic Holy War claims responsibility for Beirut truck bombings.
Arab Governments: Syria denies any involveFment in bombings.
US and Other Countries: Reagan says keeping Marines in Lebanon is central to US credibility on a global scale; French President visits site of bomb attack on French barracks in Beirut; commander of British land forces flies to Beirut to review security arrangements; Iran denies any involvement in bombings.
Military Action:
US Marine administrative HQ and French paratroop barracks in Beirut destroyed by almost simultaneous truck bomb attacks; responsibility for bombing claimed by Free Islamic Revolutionary Movement; heavy fighting resumes around Souq al-Gharb; IDF patrol battles Lebanese civilians near Sarafand, south of Zahrani river.
Casualties:
Initial reports from Beirut bombings list military casualties as 146 US, 27 French killed, 69 US, 12 French wounded, 53 French missing; 20+ Lebanese civilians injured by explosion at French barracks; both buildings totally destroyed, along with documents, material; 3 Lebanese. civilians killed, several wounded, 1 IDF soldier wounded near Sarafand.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: US officials suspect Iranian involvement in Beirut bombings, and Hisballah group, based in Baalbek, of direct responsibility; Reagan says US forces will remain in Lebanon, threatens retaliation when identity of bombers is known; Joint Chiefs of Staff meet in emergency session; Pentagon says Lebanese Army not ready to take over peacekeeping duties, requires another year of intensive training by US to reach full operational capacity; France, other European MNF states say their forces will remain in Beirut.
Military Action:
Fighting continues in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and militiamen.
Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: Swiss government agrees to host Lebanese reconciliation conference; US says it has been secretly training Jordanian strike force of two 4000-man brigades for last 2 1/2 years.
Military Action:
Home-made bomb thrown at French MNF vehicle in Beirut; fighting between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs continues intermittently; car bomb explodes in West Beirut, no casualties.
Casualties:
1 French paratrooper wounded by bomb; 3 militiamen, 1 policeman killed, soldier and civilian injured in southern suburbs.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opens for limited trading for first time since October 9.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva reportedly agreed on as new site for reconciliation talks.
US and Other Countries: Reagan says Syria, aided and abetted by 7000 Soviet advisers and technicians, is contributing to the disorder and trouble in Lebanon; US shipping large quantities of ammunition and military equipment, including 68 M-48 tanks, to resupply LAF.
Military Action:
Car bomb explodes as US military convoy passes near Kuwaiti Embassy, approximately 1 mile from airport; fierce fighting reported beteween LAF and PSP forces at Souq al-Gharb; LAF fires artillery at snipers, bazooka positions in southern suburbs; LF and PSP militia continue fighting in Kharroub area.
Casualties:
4 Marines wounded by car bomb; 2 LAF soldiers, 6 civilians killed, 27 wounded.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government defeats 3 no confidence motions by 61-54 vote.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government announces postponement of reconciliation talks; heavy selling of Lebanese pounds depresses currency by 5% in last 10 days.
Military Action:
LAF and unidentified gunmen battle near airport, main highway access closed; artillery duels between LAF and PSP forces around Souq al-Gharb; LAF bombards sniper position in Bun al-Barajneh; US officials say snipers appear to be from pro-Iranian Hisballah faction; IDF position in Sidon attacked with RPGs and bazookas; 3 Katyushas fired south of Zahrani river.
Casualties:
2 LAF soldiers, 2 civilians killed near airport; 2 IDF border police killed, 1 wounded in Sidon.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Committee ends 2-day meeting in Kuwait, says it will seek Arab-wide support to reconcile factional differences; commander of PLA forces in Syria defects to PLO rebels; Lebanese government announces start of reconciliation talks at Beirut airport tomorrow, PSP says site is completely unacceptable.
US and Other Countries: Joint Chiefs of Staff begin review of rules governing operations of Marines in Lebanon; Reagan meets National Security Council to review Middle East policy.
Military Action:
Fighting continues between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs and at Souq al-Gharb and between Druze and Phalange militias in Kharroub; stray shells land near Marine base at airport.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: New Finance Minister Yigal Cohen-Otgad right-wing member of Herut party with business interests and residence in West Bank, named by Shamir.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: PSP official says Druze refugees have begun to occupy homes abandoned by Christian refugees in Chouf villages as part of new civil administration policy.
US and Other Countries: Reagan appoints McFarlane as national security adviser, replacing William Clark; Marine commander in Beirut says sniper fire in past few days originates from gunmen newly arrived in area; US states officially for first time that Marines and other MNF units are the targets of attacks.
Military Action:
Small arms, machine gun and RPG fire hits Marine positions at airport and university science faculty building during 7-hour battle, Marines use Dragon missiles; LAF positions near airport also attacked; IDF patrol attacked, battles civilians during Shi'ite religious festival in Nabatieh.
Casualties:
1 Marine killed, 3 wounded by sniper fire in Beirut; 1 civilian killed, 7-10 wounded when IDF opens fire in Nabatieh, 4 IDF soldiers injured, 4 military vehicles burned, curfew imposed.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Estimated Im Israeli workers strike for 2 hours to protest government economic policies.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Officer of Higher Islamic Council of Lebanon calls on Shi'ite residents of South Lebanon to resist IDF occupation, warns Israel not to close bridges across Awali river.
Military Action:
Sniper fire hits Marine positions for second day.
Casualties:
US says 4-5 snipers killed, 10 wounded when Marines return fire; 2 French soldiers in UNIFIL wounded by roadside explosion south of airport.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee meets, agrees to ask for 400 observers each from Greece, Italy; Amal militia denies responsibility for shooting at Marines.
Military Action:
LAF and militiamen exchange artillery fire at Araya, east of Beirut; LAF positions in Burj al-Barajneh hit by sniper fire; Marines return fire in three-hour battle with gunmen after US positions at airport hit by snipers; loyalist Fateh forces in Tripoli police cease-fire between militias of IUM and Lebanese CP.
Casualties:
1 Marine killed, 1 wounded by sniper fire, US casualties since end of August are 5 killed, 43 wounded.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Amal and PSP militias suspend participation in cease-fire security committee.
US and Other Countries: Reagan meets McFarlane, senior administration officials, to review Middle East policy; Reagan and Shultz meet Gemayel's national security adviser in Washington; State Dept. reportedly has approved plan to convert military aid program to Israel from 50-50 loan-grant to all grant basis; State Dept. refused comment on reports that US has secret plan to equip two Jordanian brigades as mobile strike force.
Military Action:
Grenade thrown at temporary US Embassy in Beirut; LAF and miltiamen exchange mortar and machine gun fire at Souq al-Gharb; sniping continues in southern Beirut suburbs; heavy fighting continues for second day in Tripoli, PLO guerrillas under Arafat separate combatants, cease-fire called.
Casualties:
1 Marine wounded by grenade; 60 killed, 130 wounded in 2 days of Tripoli fighting, mostly members of Lebanese Communist Party.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Finance Minister resigns after public disclosure of his proposal to dollarize the economy, replacing the shekel with the dollar as legal tender.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Preparatory meeting for reconciliation talks takes place in Beirut, all invited factions send representatives except Karame, Franjieh and Edde.
Military Action:
LAF and Druze exchange artillery and RPG fire around Souq al-Gharb; heavy fighting in Tripoli between pro- and anti-Syrian militias, Syrian artillery shells Islamic Unification Movement positions; IDF position near Tyre attacked with small arms fire.
Casualties:
6 LAF soldiers wounded at Souq al-Gharb; 47 killed, 70 wounded in Tripoli; Islamic Unification Movement [IUM] forces occupy most positions of pro-Syrian militia in Tripoli; 1 IDF soldier wounded near Tyre.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee fails to meet as Amal delegate protests LAF arrest of Shi'ite soldiers returning home; Gemayel announces talks will begin on October 20 at undisclosed venue.
US and Other Countries: Reagan signs legislation authorizing Marines to remain in Lebanon for 18 months, but disclaims any concession of the constitutional authority of a President to deploy troops without Congressional approval.
Military Action:
3 US ships carrying standby Marine force of 2000 leave coast of Lebanon, head for US by way of Indian Ocean.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet devalues shekel 23%, now worth approx 80 to $1 [2 months ago it was 53 to $1]; food subsidies cut 50%, bread and dairy prices rise 50%, gasoline rises 23%, panic buying ensues; government to make $ lb in budget cuts, offers plan to protect commercial bank stockholders.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt rejects presidential palace as meeting site, proposes Greek ship anchored inside Lebanese waters; LAF Chief of Staff travels to Jumblatt's village, meets Druze defectors, delays return to his command; IDF reportedly establishing new militias in South Lebanon; Haddad cites medical reasons, relinquishes command of his militia.
Military Action:
Security committee agrees to use of 600-800 Greek and Italian troops to monitor cease-fire.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Banks halt sales of foreign currency, Stock Exchange remains closed, shekel declines 5.5% against dollar in day; Knesset approves Shamir government by 60-53 vote.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Rival PLO factions exchange small arms fire in struggle over control of two Fateh offices in Damascus.
Arab Governments: Syria and Saudi Arabia agree to use of Lebanese presidential palace at Baabda as venue for national reconciliation talks; Gemayel issues invitations to talks, reportedly beginning October 19.
Military Action:
LAF and militiamen in southern Beirut suburbs continue sporadic fighting.
Casualties:
2 US Marines wounded; US helicopter parked near Marine camp hit by small arms fire.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government closes Tel Aviv Stock Exchange indefinitely following major sell-off of bank shares as investors seek funds to purchase dollars, estimated $60m foreign currency purchased last week, value of bank stocks, estimated at $7.5b, expected to drop 15%-40%.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat calls for resumption of dialogue with Jordan at all levels; staff of WAFA bureau in Damascus reportedly joins rebellion; Jumblatt says 31 officers, 600 troops have defected from LAF to Druze forces.
Arab Governments: Syrian officials meet McFarlane, who then returns to Beirut.
Military Action:
LAF and Shi'ite militiamen exchange small arms and rocket fire in southern Beirut suburbs; explosives thrown at French MNF patrol in Beirut; cease-fire security committee orders halt to Druze-Christian fighting in Kharroub mountains.
Casualties:
1 LAF soldier, 2 civilians killed in Beirut fighting; IDF raids office of Lebanese national news agency in Sidon, arrests and interrogates 2 reporters, confiscates film.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government asks UNIFIL to renew its mandate, expiring October 19, for further 6 months.
Military Action:
Cease-fire holds generally; LAF positions in southern suburbs and in Beirut come under sniper fire; grenade thrown at IDF vehicl in Sidon.
Casualties:
1 LAF soldier, 2 civilians killed by sniper fire; Druze and Phalange militias exchange 44 civilian hostages; 1 IDF soldier wounded in Sidon attack; Red Cross convoy permitted to enter Deir al-Qamar, where estimated 25,000 Christian refugees and 3000 Phalange militiamen remain under siege; fighting during past month has created an estimated 140,000 new refugees in South Lebanon.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens confirms IDf is considering closing the 2 bridges across its Awali line to vehicles (currently 8000 per day), restricting traffic to pedestrians with special passes.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says he expects Syrian at.ack on Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared camps within two or three days.
Military Action:
Commander of IDF-backed local militia in Adloun, South Lebanon, killed by car bomb, PLO says Lebanese and Palestinian resistance is responsible.
Casualties:
IDF arrests 40 suspects after Adloun bombing; Sidon mayor estimates that 10,000 refugees from fighting to the north are sheltering in public buildings; export trade from Israel to Lebanon, about $ 10m monthly, reportedly returns to normal after cease-ffre.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: 100th reserve soldier jailed for refusing to serve in Lebanon.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat accuses Syria and US of secret pact to eliminate PLO from Lebanon.
US and Other Countries: US says Soviet Union plans to deploy mobile SS-21 missile,with range of 75 mi, in Syria.
Military Action:
LAF and Muslim militiamen exchange fire in southern Beirut suburbs; pro- and anti-Syrian militias in Tripoli battle overnight with RPGs, mortars, machine guns; IDF and Syrian forces in Beqaa exchange artillery and machine gun fire.
Casualties:
6 killed in Tripoli fighting. Political Responses:
US and Other Countries: Pentagon proposes to sell additional 253 APCs plus .50-cal. machine guns to Lebanon.
Military Action:
Relatively light exchanges of fire between unidentified gunmen and LAF in southern suburbs; sniper fire directed at Deir al-Qamar; IDF patrol attacked with light arms, RPGs east of Tyre.
Casualties:
1 civilian killed, 1 wounded in Deir al-Qamar.
Political Responses:
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says at least 2 Syrian brigades have surrounded his forces in Tripoli area; McFarlane returns to Beirut from Europe via Israel