Ali Safiuddin, head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, reflects on two decades of loss, the evolution of his rescue mission, and the dangers of operating in southern Lebanon.
In the volatile landscape of southern Lebanon, the concept of normalcy is fragile and constantly shifting. For Ali Safiuddin, the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, this reality is not just a professional observation but a deeply personal experience. While the city of Tyre itself experiences a relative calm compared to the active combat zones along the southern border, the proximity of the conflict remains a constant presence. Safiuddin and his team operate under the shadow of a fluctuating military zone, where the echoes of artillery and airstrikes serve as a grim reminder of a war that has never truly concluded.
Safiuddin’s commitment to his role is rooted in a devastating tragedy that occurred two decades ago. During the 2006 conflict, he sought refuge for his wife and young daughter, Lynn, within the walls of the very Civil Defence centre he served. The decision proved fatal when the facility was struck, resulting in the death of his child. This profound loss transformed his perspective on life and service, turning his career into a lifelong mission to protect the families of others. He carries the weight of that day as both a haunting memory and a primary source of his enduring resolve.
The psychological toll of emergency response is immense, yet Safiuddin finds a sense of redemption through his work. He frequently recalls the 2020 Beirut port explosion, a catastrophe that claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands injured. During the arduous rescue efforts, he was instrumental in pulling a teenage girl from the wreckage after 18 hours of manual excavation. For Safiuddin, the survival of that young girl provided a profound sense of closure, as he felt he was metaphorically reclaiming the life he lost years prior. This connection to the survivors he saves allows him to channel his grief into a constructive force.
His dedication extends to the next generation, both within his own family and his professional team. His 18-year-old son, Husein, has followed in his footsteps, joining the ranks of the Civil Defence. Beyond his biological family, Safiuddin views the men under his command as his own children. Having spent years training, eating, and living alongside these responders, he has cultivated a bond that transcends the typical superior-subordinate dynamic. This familial atmosphere is essential for maintaining morale in an environment where the threat of death is a daily reality.
The nature of the conflict in southern Lebanon has forced the Civil Defence to adopt rigorous safety protocols to mitigate the risk of targeted attacks. The threat of "double-tap" strikes—a tactic where a second attack is launched shortly after the first—has fundamentally altered how they approach emergency scenes. To survive, the team now utilizes a staggered response system: one ambulance enters the site of a raid while another remains stationed at a safe distance, prepared to provide support or rescue for the team if they come under fire.
Despite these precautions, the cost of the mission remains high. The recent loss of three team members—Hussein Ghadbouni, Hussein Sati, and Hadi Daher—in a strike in Majdal Zoun served as a stark reminder of the dangers they face. These men were more than colleagues; they were long-term volunteers who had grown up within the organization. Safiuddin maintains that they have a pact to honor the fallen gh the lives they in the future.
As the region navigates periods of relative respite, Safiuddin utilizes every available moment to rehabilitate the Civil Defence infrastructure and prepare for potential escalations. The center, which was hit during the 2006 war, serves as a focal point for his efforts to ensure that the team is as equipped as possible, despite limited resources. He remains steadfast in his refusal to abandon his post, viewing his continued service as an essential act of defiance against the cycle of violence that has defined his life.
For Safiuddin, the fear that once might have gripped him has been replaced onger fears for his own life, but instead carries a deep sense of responsibility for his team and the civilians they serve. thern Lebanon, ensuring that the world recognizes the sacrifices made ts on the planet.