Vehicle Profile: Toyota Land Cruiser in Lebanon (Cluster 1): Militias

The origin of the Land Cruiser was the Toyota jeep BJ which was released in 1951, and was first given the name “Land Cruiser” in1955. This four-wheel drive vehicle was widely used in Lebanon during the civil war and after it up to these days. The models used are primarily from the Heavy-duty 40 series and 70 series types and in Hard-top, Soft-top and Pick-up versions.

A blurry video capture of a Palestinian Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 in the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War. The vehicle is Towing a ZiS-2 57mm anti-tank gun

A Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40/42 belonging to a Lebanese Rightist militia during the Tal El Zaatar battle in 1976.

The same vehicle with a clearer view of the B-10 recoilless rifle mounted on it.

A press photo showing three Land Cruiser BJs of the Mourabitoun militia in 1982. The vehicle in the foreground is a French MNF VLRA.

A Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40/42 of the AMAL militia in 1984. the vehicle is armed with a Chinese made Type 56 75mm recoilless rifle.

A Press Photo of a SSNP militia Toyota Land Cruiser BJ during clashes in Tripoli, Lebanon in 1985.

A Press Photo of a Palestinian PFLP Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 with a B-10 recoilless rifle in 1988. ATTAR MAHER/CORBIS SYGMA

A Lebanese Forces militia Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 with an M40 recoilless rifle, 1990.

 

Many thanks to Mathieu for the video captures.