Lebanese Army takes over strategic towns following Israeli pullout

The Lebanese army announced on Sunday its deployment in several towns in the eastern sector in the south of the country, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from them, while the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah continues to be implemented.

The Lebanese army said in a statement: "Military units were deployed in the towns of Rab Thalateen, Bani Hayyan and Talousa-Marjayoun in the eastern sector... In coordination with the five-member committee to oversee the ceasefire agreement."

The Lebanese Armed Forces added that it continued to coordinate closely with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on the situation on the border.

Violence has escalated over the past few weeks, with dozens of Lebanese shot dead by Israeli forces, as residents displaced by fighting over the past year have tried to return to their towns in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army is still stationed.

The November ceasefire agreement in Lebanon stipulated the withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon, the removal of Hezbollah from the area, and the deployment of the Lebanese army within 60 days. The agreement was extended until Feb. 18.

ASharq Al-Awsat contributed to this article.