Lebanese army begins deployment in Southern town under US-mediated deal

The Lebanese army began deploying troops in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh governorate, marking the first phase of a US-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel aimed at easing tensions along the border.

In an official statement, the Lebanese Armed Forces said military units entered the town as part of ongoing security measures in southern Lebanon. 

Authorities urged residents to avoid returning to Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh until the security situation stabilises and to follow the instructions of deployed troops for their safety.

According to Anadolu Agency and Reuters, the army's engineering regiment began surveying roads and residential areas to locate and clear explosives and other remnants allegedly left behind following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the town. 

Local officials said the deployment commenced after Israeli troops and military vehicles pulled out of the area.

The move follows the US State Department's announcement that pilot operations had begun in the southern Lebanese villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh under the framework agreement reached last month. 

The initiative is being coordinated by the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon and is intended to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal while expanding the Lebanese army's presence in the south.

Under the agreement, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from occupied areas in phases, while the Lebanese army assumes security responsibilities and works to ensure that armed groups, including Hezbollah, are disarmed in the designated zones. However, no specific timeline has been announced for the full withdrawal.