Lebanese army steps up efforts to centralize weapons under state control

On January 8, the Lebanese army said it had completed the first phase of a plan to bring all weapons under state authority, highlighting its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the country.

The army said the initial phase focused on increasing its presence on the ground, securing key locations, and establishing operational control over territories in the South Litani sector, "except for areas still under Israeli occupation," Caliber.Az reports per Syrian media.

The army added that it remains "fully committed to exercising exclusive responsibility for security in Lebanon, working alongside other national security agencies, particularly in the area south of the Litani River."

Officials said the objective is to restore stability along the southern border and prevent its use for military operations.

Efforts are also underway to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels, and to implement measures aimed at permanently preventing armed groups from reconstituting their capabilities, the statement said.

The army noted that continued Israeli attacks and the occupation of some Lebanese sites are hindering the full extension of state authority and centralization of weapons under the armed forces.

It also reaffirmed its cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, which the army said "contributes to stability in the South Litani area."

By Aghakazim Guliyev