Lebanese Army enters town of Chamaa for first time since ceasefire
4 Min Read
Al Mayadeen's correspondent says the Lebanese Army is working to clear the southern town of shell remnants and unexploded ordnance.
-
Lebanese army soldiers sit on their armored vehicles as they patrol the Lebanese side of the Israel-Lebanon border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Lebanon, on October 13, 2023. (AP)
A joint patrol of the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL entered the southern town of Chamaa in the western sector for the first time since the ceasefire agreement signed with "Israel" took effect in late November, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon reported on Tuesday, adding that the army is preparing to establish a presence within the town.
The Lebanese Army, along with UNIFIL forces, conducted a joint patrol in Chamaa, our correspondent said, adding that the military is working to clear the area of shell remnants and unexploded ordnance.
Earlier, Al Mayadeen's correspondent said that Israeli artillery shelling targeted a neighborhood in the southern Lebanese town of Shebaa.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces fired live ammunition on a shepherd in the Qatmoun area south of the town of Ramieh, injuring him in the shoulder.
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 13 reported on Monday that "Israel" had informed the United States that it "does not intend to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon."
However, "Israel" also stated it would not withdraw from the area within the next 60 days and would maintain a presence at certain points until final agreements are reached and the Lebanese Army has fully deployed.
Fadlallah accuses 'Israel' of violating ceasefire in southern Lebanon
Lebanese MP Hassan Fadlallah, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc, stated last week that "Israel" is attempting to exploit the ceasefire period to carry out its plans in southern Lebanon’s border villages, including destruction, bulldozing, and attacks.
Speaking at a commemoration for Hezbollah martyrs from the southern town of Rsheif, Fadlallah emphasized that responsibility lies with the Lebanese state, the monitoring committee, UNIFIL, the Lebanese Army, and the countries that brokered the ceasefire deal.
Fadlallah criticized the international community for failing to protect Lebanon during the 30-day ceasefire period, adding that "Israel’s" violations, such as targeting civilians and demolishing homes, have resulted in casualties.
He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s ongoing monitoring of the situation, stressing political pressure on Lebanese authorities to enforce the ceasefire agreement, asserting that the Resistance remains committed to addressing these violations and coordinating with the Lebanese government and state institutions.
The Lebanese army has increased its military presence in southern regions in response to Israeli incursions, coordinating with UNIFIL to oversee the ceasefire agreement.
Lebanese Army says Israeli forces withdrew from Wadi al-Hujayr
The Lebanese Army had announced the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Wadi al-Hujayr area, following a short-lived infiltration into the strategic valley in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, the military said that Israeli occupation forces that had advanced to al-Qantara, Adchit al-Qusair, and Wadi al-Hujayr withdrew, late on Thursday. Israeli forces retreated after the "Five Nation Committee" overseeing the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel" was contacted and notified of the Israeli violations of the agreement.
Lebanese troops also removed dirt mounds erected by Israeli occupation forces that infiltrated the valley. The statement released by the army concluded by saying that the military continues to monitor developments in coordination with UNIFIL and the Five Nation Committee.
The Israeli advance into Wadi al-Hujayr comes nearly a month after a ceasefire was reached between the two sides, marking one of the most flagrant violations of the agreement by the Israeli regime. It is worth noting that during the period of the Israeli ground aggression on Lebanon, the valley was not infiltrated by Israeli occupation forces.
Read more: Lebanese Military patrol attacked near Syrian border
