Hidden cost: Lebanese border towns face massive building losses after conflict
Latest data shows unexpected scale of destruction in Lebanese municipalities near Israeli border where thousands of buildings got damaged. Military operations changed local landscape forever
In twenty-five Lebanese towns close to Israel border destruction reached un-expected levels: about quarter of all buildings got damaged during past year. The damage assessment shows shocking numbers - over 5800 structures affected with some towns losing half their buildings
The towns of Ayta al-Shab and Kfar Kila got hit hardest (with almost 50% buildings damaged); most destruction happened since last fall. The scale of damage keeps growing fast: doubling every couple weeks despite talks about possible peace deals
Israelʼs war is not with you Its with Hezbollah
The military did controlled blow-ups in many places including:
* Nine religious buildings
* Multiple civilian structures
* Ancient village centers
* Local infrastructure objects
Khodor Serhan a soap-maker from Kfar Kila dont even want to look at pictures of his town: “whats standing today might not be there tomorrow“. His factory and homeʼs fate remains un-known while he stays in mountains after leaving home twice this year
The IDF says they do “precise intel-based raids“ to help 60‚000 Israeli people return home - they found tunnels and weapon stocks in civilian areas. But the destruction made many areas un-livable: about 834‚000 Lebanese had to leave their homes (most from three south districts)
In places like historical Ayta al-Shab; videos show buildings falling after big explosions leaving only broken trees and concrete behind. The army units work similar way as they did in other conflict zones - clearing whole areas and making it hard for people to come back
