⚔Battle of Zahle begins

On 20 December 1980 the Hanash group, linked to the Lebanese Forces, took over the National Liberals' offices in Zahle, and on 21–22 December the townspeople, backed by the Forces, prevented the Syrian army from redeploying in the city; a confrontation began that lasted until 30 June 1981, its aim to link Zahle to the Mountain.