Lebanese Army deploys troops around southern Lebanon town after withdrawal of Israeli forces

By Naim Berjawi

BEIRUT (AA) – The Lebanese Army said on Wednesday that it had deployed units in five positions around the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon’s Marjeyoun district following the Israeli military withdrawal.

In a statement, the army clarified that the deployment was carried out in coordination with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as part of the first phase of its placement plan in the region.

This move comes after the Israeli forces withdrew following discussions with the five-nation supervisory committee, the statement added.

UNIFIL is part of a five-member committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of a cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The committee also includes members from the US, France, Lebanon, and Israel.

The statement also noted that the Lebanese Army will continue its deployment in stages, with specialized units conducting engineering surveys in the town to remove unexploded ordnance.

The army urged citizens to avoid the area and follow military units’ instructions until the deployment was completed.

At least 28 people have been killed and 30 others injured in Israeli attacks since the cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel came into force two weeks ago, according to Lebanese figures.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line – a de facto border – in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

More than 4,000 people have been killed and over 16,500 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon, in addition to over 1 million displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio