(24 May 2000) Arabic/Nat
XFA
The last Israeli troops and tanks rolled out of Lebanon at dawn on Wednesday.
Their withdrawal completed a swift and dramatic pullout from the southern zone Israel occupied for nearly two decades.
Across the border, Shiite Muslim guerrillas swiftly moved into territory left behind by the Israeli troops and their allied militia the Southern Lebanon Army, seizing several tanks and armored vehicles.
VOICE-OVER:
0000
0003 This used to be an Israeli army garrison and former headquarters of the Southern Lebanon Army garrison.
0012 But now guerrillas who fought Israelis and pro-Israeli militia for nearly two decades are celebrating their departure.
0019 Villagers who had remained here during that period were jubilant over the return of Lebanese civilians and guerrillas.
0026 Military outposts were dismantled.
0030 Many had already been blown up by the retreating Israeli army - to prevent them falling into the hands of Hezbollah guerrillas.
0038 Pro-Israeli militia who stayed behind were rounded up and placed under guard in a local school.
They are expected to stand trial on charges of collaboration. Some, though, were optimistic about the future.
0048 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
This man said they were very sorry for the past but they that they were looking to the future. He said they'd prove themselves to be good and faithful Lebanese citizens.
SUPER CAPTION: S-L-A Member Held Captive
0101 The Lebanon pullout came without security guarantees for northern Israelis.
It remains to be seen whether Israel's departure will defuse the situation - or bring the conflict right up to Israel's border.
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