Lebanese troops deploy in Hezbollah's stronghold south of Beirut following security deal

Hundreds of Lebanese soldiers and policemen have begun deploying in Hezbollah strongholds south of Beirut after officials said they had reached a deal with the militant group to return a government presence to the area.

For years, Hezbollah dominated the neighborhoods known as Dahiyeh while government forces had only a symbolic presence. But the militant group tightened security measures, setting up checkpoints, after an Aug. 15 car bomb attack that killed 27 people.

That triggered a backlash from local businessmen, Hezbollah's Western-backed political rivals, and others. Saudi Arabia filed a complaint after Hezbollah members last month stopped a diplomatic car.

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel told reporters that the troops deploying Monday are to provide security to the area. Hezbollah members were seen taking down their own barriers.