The Root: The Marines in Beirut

The Marines in Beirut refers to the deployment of the US Marine Corps to Beirut, Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force from 1982 to 1984. The deployment was part of the US government's response to the Lebanese Civil War, which had begun in 1975. The Marines were tasked with helping to stabilize the country and prevent the spread of violence. However, their mission was cut short after a terrorist attack on their barracks killed 241 Marines and 58 French paratroopers.

Background

The Lebanese Civil War began in 1975 as a conflict between Maronite Christians and Palestinian Muslims. The conflict quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war, with different factions fighting for control of the country. The war was particularly brutal, with widespread human rights abuses and atrocities committed by all sides.

The Root: The Marines in Beirut

by Eric Hammel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4277 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	413 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in an attempt to drive out the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO),which had been using Lebanon as a base for attacks on Israel. The Israeli invasion led to a further escalation of the civil war, and in August 1982, the US government sent a multinational peacekeeping force to Beirut to help stabilize the country.

The Marines in Beirut

The US Marine Corps was assigned the task of leading the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. The Marines arrived in Beirut on August 25, 1982, and were initially welcomed by the Lebanese people. However, the Marines' mission soon became more difficult as the civil war continued to rage. The Marines were frequently caught in the crossfire between the different factions, and they were often targeted by snipers and car bombs.

In October 1983, a suicide bomber drove a truck filled with 12,000 pounds of explosives into the US Marine barracks in Beirut. The explosion killed 241 Marines and 58 French paratroopers. The attack was the deadliest terrorist attack against US military personnel since the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The bombing of the Marine barracks led to a public outcry in the United States. The US government responded by withdrawing the Marines from Lebanon in 1984. The withdrawal of the Marines was a major blow to the US government's credibility, and it led to a reassessment of US policy in the Middle East.

Aftermath

The bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut had a profound impact on the US military. The attack led to a new emphasis on force protection, and it also led to the development of new counterterrorism measures. The attack also had a significant impact on the Lebanese Civil War. The withdrawal of the Marines from Beirut left a vacuum that was quickly filled by other armed groups. The civil war continued until 1990, when a peace agreement was finally reached.

The Marines in Beirut is a story of courage and sacrifice. The Marines who served in Beirut were tasked with a difficult and dangerous mission. They risked their lives to help bring about peace in Lebanon, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional Information

* The bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut was the deadliest terrorist attack against US military personnel since the attack on Pearl Harbor. * The attack led to a public outcry in the United States and a reassessment of US policy in the Middle East. * The Marines in Beirut is a story of courage and sacrifice. The Marines who served in Beirut risked their lives to help bring about peace in Lebanon.

The Root: The Marines in Beirut

by Eric Hammel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4277 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	413 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE