(23 May 2000) Arabic/Nat
XFA
Jubilant Lebanese guerrillas and their civilian sympathisers have swept through most of what was once the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli-allied militia that once controlled the area is on the verge of collapsing.
Fighters and civilians alike waved the flags of the main Shiite Muslim guerrilla groups Hezbollah and Amal and shouted pro-Hezbollah slogans.
Some carried pictures of Hezbollah chief Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, and others shouted "God protect him."
The Israeli army, expected to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon over the next few days, abandoned its last major base in the western part of the zone in the town of Bint Jbeil overnight.
More than 175 S-L-A militiamen surrendered on Tuesday.
It brings the total of militiamen in Lebanese army custody since Sunday to more than 300.
Everywhere in south Lebanon's western sector there were scenes of jubilation as people returned home or residents celebrated the liberation of their villages and reunions with loved ones.
In Chihin, women in lined the streets and offered jugs of water to the newcomers.
Some broke into Lebanon's traditional foot-stomping "dabke" dance.
Seven kilometers (4 miles) away, just outside the village of Chamaa, Amal militiamen scrambled up a hill to loot another S-L-A position after planting the movement's green flag.
The elation was obvious - among Lebanese living in the occupied zone, and among the victorious guerrillas.
Israel was taken by surprise by the quick disintegration of the militia, the South Lebanon Army, which triggered a chain reaction prompting Israel to accelerate its withdrawal, originally scheduled to be completed by July 7th.
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"This is a lovely day. A day of celebration."
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"This is the most beautiful day of our lives. We couldn't believe it when we were told we could cross the barricades."
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"Their fear made them leave the television on. That's why we ask our friends to be kind with people here and we ask them not to interfere."
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop
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