Battle of Zahle

For three months from 31 March 1981 to 30 June 1981, the Syrian army besieged and bombarded Zahleh after the Lebanese Forces attacked a Syrian army convoy outside of the city. Starting in April, the city was besieged by the Syrian army and there were clashes between the Syrian Army and the Lebanese Forces. At the same time, Israel shot down Syrian helicopters to counter Syrian attacks on the town.