By Tasnim News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-12 10:08:13 | Updated at 2024-12-12 12:31:33
2 hours ago
The Lebanese army announced on Wednesday that its units were deployed in five positions around the border town of Khiam in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The deployment follows the withdrawal of Israeli forces as part of a ceasefire deal.
In a statement, the army said, “The deployment will be completed in the next phase, while specialized units” will conduct surveys in the town to “remove unexploded ordnance.”
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised the move, calling it a “fundamental step towards strengthening the army's deployment in the south, in implementation of the ceasefire decision.”
“We salute the army's efforts” to establish “stability in the south,” Mikati said in a post on social media platform X.
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on November 27, requires Israel to withdraw from all areas of southern Lebanon by late January.
Israel's military confirmed on Wednesday that it had withdrawn its troops from Khiam under the truce agreement with Hezbollah.
However, it added that its forces remain stationed in other parts of southern Lebanon.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) also acknowledged the development, stating that its commander General Erik Kurilla visited Beirut on Wednesday to monitor the replacement of Israeli troops with Lebanese forces in Khiam.
“This is an important first step in the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities and lays the foundation for continued progress,” Kurilla said.
During his visit, Kurilla met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.
Israel’s war in Lebanon, which began in October 2023, has killed nearly 4,000 people and injured more than 16,000 others, according to Lebanon's health ministry.
Hezbollah opened a support front for Palestinians in Gaza a day after Israel launched its military campaign in the territory, carrying out retaliatory strikes against Israeli positions in the occupied territories.
