Lebanese Army boosts deployment in southern Litani amid ceasefire
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Lebanon's Defense Minister says the Lebanese Army will enter any area vacated by Israeli occupation forces and will accompany citizens as they return to these safe areas.
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A Lebanese army soldier flashes a victory sign, as a convoy enters Mansouri village on its way to being deployed in southern Lebanon, following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, on Nov. 27, 2024. (AP)
As the US-brokered agreement on the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and "Israel" took effect, the Lebanese Army announced on Wednesday afternoon that it had begun strengthening its deployment in the southern Litani sector and consolidating state authority in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The army stated that this move was in line with Lebanon's commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, including all its provisions and related obligations, particularly those concerning the increased deployment of the army and security forces in the south.
In this context, military units have started moving from various areas to the southern Litani sector, where they will be stationed at designated locations.
The army also urged citizens returning to border villages and towns in the south, especially in the districts of Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Marjaayoun, to follow the guidance of military units and avoid approaching areas where enemy forces are located, in order to ensure their safety, as they may be at risk of enemy fire.
Lebanese Defense Minister: Right to self-defense retained
In turn, Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Slim also stated on Wednesday that the Lebanese Army would recruit 6,000 volunteers to serve along the border with occupied Palestine under the ceasefire agreement.
In an interview with Lebanon's National News Agency, Slim said that the first group of 1,500 volunteers would undergo three months of training, after which the army would assign them to various units based on its structure.
According to Slim, the Lebanese Army will enter any area vacated by Israeli occupation forces and will accompany citizens as they return to these safe areas.
Slim also dismissed rumors that the Israeli occupation military might penetrate southern Lebanon, emphasizing that no such provision was included in the ceasefire agreement. He added that "both sides have the right to defend themselves in case of a violation of the agreement."
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