United Nations Resolution 1701, established in 2006 after a previous war, lasting 34 days, mandated a withdrawal of Hizbullah forces north of the Litani River. But it has never been enforced effectively.

Israeli forces crossed into southern Lebanon late Monday in an operation aimed at Hezbollah forces and infrastructure in the rugged border region. Israel ordered people in more than two dozen towns to move north of the Awali River, which is more than 15 miles from the Israeli border.

The Amro family household in Lebanon's lush Keserwan mountains had become a refuge for families who wanted to stay outside the line of fire of creeping war in the country's south. By Sept. 25, more than 50 people from three families had gathered in two buildings at the centre of Maaysrah,