During this period, with the sudden withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Mount Lebanon to the Southern Lebanese region, the pro-Syrian fighters mainly composed of Palestinian and Druze militias supported by Syrian army tanks and artillery stormed the Christian villages in the Bhamdoun and Chouf Districts, forcing their inhabitants to flee the atrocity while seeking refuge in the Christian town of Deir el-Kamar. The 8th Brigade was once again deployed to the Souk El Gharb ridge, to block the advancement of the pro-Syrian militias from reaching deeper into the Christian zones and threatening the ministry of Defense in Yarze, as well as, the Presidential Palace in Baabda. The 8th Brigade fiercely defended a 15 miles front, turning back numerous attempts to take over the remainder of the Christian zones.