ISTANBUL

The Lebanese Army said Tuesday that it has begun deploying in five towns across the Tyre and Bint Jbeil districts in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

In a statement, the army confirmed its units have started operations in the towns of Ras Naqoura, Alma al-Shaab, and Tayr Harfa in Tyre district, as well as Beit Lif in Bint Jbeil district.

The army added that its forces are also extending their presence to other towns in the western and central sectors of southern Lebanon after the Israeli withdrawal. This includes continuing their deployment in Naqoura, a key town in Tyre district, initiated earlier this week.

As part of its deployment, the army is conducting engineering surveys to remove unexploded ordnance, clear debris, and reopen roads. These efforts are being carried out in coordination with the UN Interim Forces (UNIFIL) and the five-party committee overseeing the cease-fire agreement with Israel.

The army urged residents to avoid the affected areas and comply with military instructions until the operations are complete.

The deployment in Naqoura began Monday, following similar operations in Shama, Tyre district on Dec. 31, and in Khiam, Marjayoun district on Dec. 12.

Meanwhile, US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Lebanon on Monday to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire agreement, according to local media reports.

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.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 people have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,664 others have been injured.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio​​​​​​​