Introduction

The main conflicts between Hezbollah and other Lebanese militias primarily centered around the “War of Brothers” between Hezbollah and Amal, another major Shiite militia in Lebanon. This conflict occurred during the final stages of the Lebanese Civil War. Here are the key aspects of these clashes:

War of Brothers

The War of Brothers was a series of violent armed clashes between Hezbollah and Amal that took place in three main phases:

It began in April 1988

Continued intermittently over the following years

Ended with an agreement brokered by Syria and Iran in November 1990

Causes of Conflict

The tensions between Hezbollah and Amal stemmed from several factors:

Ideological differences: Hezbollah initially sought to establish an Islamic republic in Lebanon, while Amal was more secular and focused on Lebanese nationalism.

Control over Shiite areas: Both groups competed for influence and control in predominantly Shiite regions of Lebanon.

Approach to resistance: They had different strategies regarding resistance against Israel and involvement in Lebanese politics.

Key Incidents

February 1986: Amal, backed by the Shiite Sixth Brigade of the Lebanese Army, fought Hezbollah in Beirut.

September 1986: Another clash ended with a ceasefire following Iranian diplomatic intervention.

1987: Over 2,500 Hezbollah supporters attempted a march on Tyre, retreating when Amal mobilized to block them.

April 5, 1988: Hezbollah briefly occupied Nabatieh and surrounding villages before Amal counterattacked and retook the area.

The conflict spread to other areas, including Tyre, Siddikine, and the Beqaa Valley.

Resolution Attempts

A high-level Iranian delegation tried to mediate in April 1988, creating a five-member commission to solve the crisis.

The commission failed to reach an agreement on issues such as the presence of UN forces and disengagement from Israel.

The conflict was ultimately resolved through an agreement brokered by Syria and Iran in November 1990.

Conclusion

While the War of Brothers was the most significant conflict between Hezbollah and other Lebanese militias, it’s important to note that Hezbollah’s focus on resistance against Israel and its growing power in Lebanon have at times put it at odds with other Lebanese political and military factions. However, the conflict with Amal remains the most notable direct armed confrontation between Hezbollah and another Lebanese militia.