LAF bolster deployment in South's sectors as Israeli forces withdraw

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
19 Jan 2025 21:06

Our correspondent says the Lebanese Army has reinforced its presence on roads leading to the villages of Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Aytaroun, and Ayta al-Shaab.

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A Lebanese army soldier on an APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) flashes a victory sign, as a convoy enters Mansouri village on its way to being deployed in southern Lebanon, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (AP)

Lebanese Army units continue to reinforce their deployment in the towns of Ain Ebel, Debel, and Rmeish in the western sector of southern Lebanon, as well as the towns of Bint Jbeil and Ainatha in the central sector, following the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces.

In a statement, the Army said this operation is being conducted in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Quintet Committee supervising the ceasefire agreement mechanism.

It added that specialized units are carrying out engineering surveys, clearing roads, removing debris, and addressing unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects left behind by the Israeli occupation military.

This comes as the occupation forces persist in their violations of the ceasefire agreement and infringements on Lebanese sovereignty, including the destruction of homes and infrastructure in several border areas.

تستكمل وحدات الجيش تعزيز التمركز في بلدات عين إبل ودبل ورميش - بنت جبيل في القطاع الغربي، وبلدتَي بنت جبيل وعيناتا في القطاع الأوسط بعد انسحاب العدو الإسرائيلي، وذلك بالتنسيق مع قوة الأمم المتحدة المؤقتة في لبنان – اليونيفيل واللجنة الخماسية للإشراف على اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار… pic.twitter.com/o6WrMbk8kN
— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) January 19, 2025

The Lebanese Army Command urged citizens to avoid approaching the area and to adhere to the instructions of military units until the deployment is fully completed, the statement read.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed that the Lebanese Army has reinforced its presence on roads leading to the villages of Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Aytaroun, and Ayta al-Shaab.

According to our correspondent, official calls were made for citizens to return to Bint Jbeil and Ainatha starting from noon tomorrow after the completion of the Lebanese Army’s deployment.

*موكب مؤلل من الجيش اللبناني يدخل إلى مدينة بنت جبيل وذلك في اطار تعزيز الجيش اللبناني لتواجده في المدينة* pic.twitter.com/mYCeSqgH3O
— الـبـشيــر (@Al_Bacheer) January 19, 2025

The Israeli occupation military had completed its withdrawal from the western sector on January 6, with Lebanese Army units deploying in the area, extending to Naqoura.

Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun underlined on Saturday that "Israel" must complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline established to fully implement the ceasefire agreed upon last year.

During a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Aoun stressed the necessity of "Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27."

A statement from Aoun’s office emphasized that "Israel's continued violations on land and in the air... blowing up homes and destroying border villages, completely contradicts what was stated in the ceasefire agreement."

According to the statement, Guterres affirmed that the UN would make every possible effort to ensure "Israel's" withdrawal within the timeframe outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

The November 27 ceasefire deal, which brought an end to two months of war, stipulates that the Lebanese Army must deploy alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within 60 days as the Israeli military withdraws.

Simultaneously, Hezbollah is required to redeploy its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.

A day earlier, Guterres had urged "Israel" to cease its military operations and "occupation" in southern Lebanon. He also claimed that UN peacekeepers had discovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to "Hezbollah or other armed groups."

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was also in Lebanon on Friday, called for the "accelerated" implementation of the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel".

Despite the agreement, Israeli occupation forces have continued to carry out strikes, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters who, according to them, are violating the accord that requires halting attacks and withdrawing beyond the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Israeli border.