Lebanese army takes control of border towns as Israel withdraws forces

The Lebanese army has deployed its forces in 11 settlements, from which Israel withdrew its contingent in line with the ceasefire agreement.

Lebanese troops have been stationed in such locations as Al-Aabbassiyah, Majidiye, and Kfar Kila in the eastern part of the southern border, as well as in Adaisseh, Markaba, Houla, Meiss Al Jabal, Bint Jbeil and Muhaibib in the central region. Additionally, the Lebanese army has positioned its forces in the remaining areas of Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun. These settlements came under the control of the Lebanese army as part of the ceasefire agreement, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The Lebanese military confirmed that the troops were placed along the border south of the Litani River following the Israeli military's withdrawal, in coordination with the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The soldiers are conducting checks for unexploded ordnance and suspicious items, as well as carrying out engineering tasks, which are expected to be completed soon. Furthermore, the Lebanese army has advised the local population to adhere to safety instructions to protect both lives and property in the region.

Earlier, Israel's military withdrew from southern Lebanese villages, but it continues to maintain a presence at five strategic positions, after a delayed withdrawal deadline passed under a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The ceasefire, which has been in place since November 27, followed over a year of conflict, including two months of intense fighting during which Israel carried out ground operations. Just hours before the deadline for withdrawal, Israel confirmed it would retain forces at "five strategic points" near the border. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, affirmed the deployment and warned of a response to any "violation" by Hezbollah.

By Naila Huseynova