Beirut: The Lebanese government has announced a significant milestone in its efforts to control armaments within its borders, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stating that 80% of weapons in southern Lebanon are now under state control.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prime Minister Salam emphasized the importance of state monopoly over arms across Lebanon, highlighting the government's progress in achieving its disarmament objectives in the south. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Salam noted that this achievement marks a crucial step towards fulfilling the disarmament goals set by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who has pledged to bring all weapons under state control by 2025.

The push for disarmament comes amid mounting international pressure on Lebanon to curtail the influence of the Hezbollah group, particularly following the ceasefire agreement in November that ended over a year of cross-border hostilities with Israel. This agreement has faced challenges, with Lebanese authorities reporting nearly 3,000 violations by Israel, resulting in over 200 deaths and injuries to at least 500 individuals since the agreement's inception.

Efforts to address armaments also extend to the Palestinian refugee camps within Lebanon. President Aoun announced the formation of joint Lebanese-Palestinian committees to tackle the issue of Palestinian weapons in these camps, an initiative seen as critical to maintaining regional stability.

Despite the ceasefire's stipulation for Israel's complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, the deadline was extended to February 18 due to Israel's non-compliance. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts, further complicating disarmament efforts and regional tensions.