Since the end of the Lebanese civil war in 1991, the Government has consolidated its authority in many parts of the country. However, some militias, including hizballah and its allies in the south, have not yet been disarmed. Outside forces still control much of Lebanon and impinge on central authority. There are about 30,000 syrian troops in the country. Exerts control in and near a self-declared security zone it established for itself in southern Lebanon.
Palestinian groups operate autonomously in refugee camps throughout the country.
A cycle of raids and counterattacks in the south continues between Hizballah and its allies on one side and Israeli defense forces and the SLA on the other. Civilians in the south continue to suffer artillery and aerial attacks, bombings, and abductions. All rights under foreign copyright laws are reserved. All portions of this publication are protected against any type or form of reproduction, communications to the public and the preparation of adaptations, arrangement and alterations outside the United States. U. S. copyright is not asserted under the U.S. Copyright Law, Title17, United States Code.