By Stephanie Radi and Ahmed Asmar
BEIRUT (AA) – The Lebanese army deployed in several towns in southern Lebanon on Monday after Israeli military withdrawal from the area.
The army deployed its forces in the towns of Rab Thalatheen, Taloussa and Bani Hayyan and conducted patrols in the areas, the state news agency NNA reported.
According to the broadcaster, army forces began to remove earth mounds erected by the Israeli army and searched for bombs and unexploded ordnance in the three towns.
Municipal authorities have appealed to Lebanese residents not to enter the towns until army forces make sure that they are safe and explosives-free, NNA said.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since Nov. 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has committed over 870 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply.