By Nohad Topalian | 2025-02-18

BEIRUT -- Hundreds of residents of southern villages in Lebanon displaced by Hizbullah's war with Israel returned to their homes on January 26 and February 2 to take stock of the damage, under the auspices of the Lebanese army.

The army's deployment in a large number of villages, including Dhayra, has brought relief to local residents, who welcomed its return to an area that has been on the frontline of the conflict, putting civilians in harms' way.

In Alma al-Shaab, which paid a heavy price amid Hizbullah's war, returnees who spoke to Al-Fassel said they felt safe under the army's protection and would not have returned to inspect their homes without its presence.

Villagers have not returned in force because most of the homes are destroyed.

Alma al-Shaab deputy mayor William Haddad told Al-Fassel that residents "consider the army their only source of security, and its return to our destroyed town allowed them to inspect their livelihoods and properties."

"They long for it to be their only protector so that they can resettle," he said. "If it weren't for the army, no one would return to Alma al-Shaab or other southern villages, because it is the safety valve."

Residents are comfortable with the army's deployment, "which allows them to inspect the damage, remove the rubble and begin repairing one or two rooms in their homes to live in," he said.

"The army's extension of its authority in the town is what brings the residents back to the town, which is currently inhabited by only 25 people," he added. "We are happy with its return because it is evidence of the state's sovereignty."

Opening village roads

About 30km from Alma al-Shaab, residents of al-Bustan meanwhile inspected the ruins of their homes and scorched agricultural lands after the army deployed in the area, welcoming it as the sole authority in the south.

Al-Bustan residents who spoke to Al-Fassel said they were happy about the army's deployment in their village and surrounding villages, and hoped its presence would extend throughout the south.

The army is working to open the roads of the village, which was abandoned by its 3,350 residents amid the war.

The deployment of the army in the village "is an extension of the state's sovereignty," al-Bustan municipal leader Adnan Al-Ahmad told Al-Fassel.

"We look forward to the state extending its full authority throughout the south through our army, whose deployment has made our hearts happy," he said.

"We stand behind our army, as it is our security and stability, and we look forward to it performing its essential role in protecting us."