Beirut: The Lebanese army announced the successful completion of the first phase of its plan to deploy south of the Litani River, aimed at disarming non-state groups and restricting weapons to state authority.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, a military statement confirmed that the first phase has entered 'an advanced stage,' though the army cautioned that Israeli attacks and continued occupation of Lebanese territory are hindering further progress. The initiative follows a government decision made in August to ensure that all weapons, including those held by Hezbollah, are limited to state control.

The Lebanese army expressed its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the nation, specifically focusing on the region south of the Litani River. The troop deployment is part of efforts to restore peace along the southern border and prevent the area from being used as a launch point for military action.

In the first phase, the army expanded its operational presence, secured critical areas, and asserted control over territories south of the Litani River, excluding regions under Israeli occupation. The situation follows a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, observed since November 2024, which ended over a year of cross-border conflicts during the Gaza war. The conflict resulted in over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, but it retains a military presence at five border outposts. Both Israel and the US have urged Lebanon to disarm non-state entities, such as Hezbollah, which insists on retaining its arms until Israel vacates all Lebanese territories.

The Lebanese military continues operations to clear unexploded ordnance and tunnels, aiming to consolidate control and prevent the reconstitution of armed groups. The army warned that ongoing Israeli military actions and the establishment of buffer zones are undermining efforts to restrict weapons to Lebanese armed forces, particularly near occupied sites.