In pictures: Infamous prison stormed

The doors of al-Khiam prison were thrown open as Lebanese civilians stormed what was one of the darkest places of Israel's former occupation zone.

More than 100 prisoners, held without trial or charge, some for up to 15 years, were released.

Torture and inhumane punishment were rife at al-Khiam, which was manned by Israel's Lebanese client militia.

A photographer captures the moment a Khiam prisoner is told of his freedom.

Lebanese civilians had chased away prison guards and released a stream of detainees.

Prisoners have been held in poor conditions for up to 15 years.

A triumphant procession leaves al-Khiam, a former French fort which became the darkest place of Israel's occupation.

At the Israeli border, hundreds of Israel-allied militiamen and their families scramble to cross, fearing retribution.

Their departure means families divided by Israel's "security zone" are reunited.

Lebanese guerrillas make off with ordinance, ammunition and equipment left behind by the SLA.

Not everything is in working order - this tank is now an elaborate children's climbing frame.