1958 Lebanon crisis

1958 Lebanon crisis
Part of the Cold War and the Arab Cold War
American Marine in a foxhole outside Beirut
Date15 July – 25 October 1958
(3 months, 1 week and 3 days)
Location
Caused by
  • Alleged violation of the National Pact by Maronite President Camille Chamoun
  • Fradulent election of 1957, in which CIA was involved
  • Chamoun's wish for a presidential reelection
  • Traditional ethnic and religious conflicts in Lebanon
Goals
  • Prevent President Chamoun's reelection
  • Removal of the illegitimately elected Parliament
  • Call for a new election
Resulted inLebanese government victory, with some Opposition's goals achieved
Parties
Supported by:
Supported by:
Lead figures
Casualties and losses
± 1,000 killed or injured
United States:
1 killed
1 wounded
+ 5,000 killed or injured

The 1958 Lebanon crisis was a political crisis in Lebanon caused by political and religious tensions in the country that included an American military intervention, which lasted for around three months until President Camille Chamoun, who had requested the assistance, completed his term as president of Lebanon. American and Lebanese government forces occupied the Port of Beirut and Beirut International Airport. With the crisis over, the United States withdrew.