The Lebanese Army Command announced on Wednesday evening that "Army units have deployed to five positions around the town of Khiam, in the Marjayoun region, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)."
According to the official statement, this marks the first phase of the deployment in the region, which coincides with the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The deployment follows discussions held by the five-party Supervisory Committee (France, USA, Israel, Lebanon and UNIFIL).
The press release further stated that “specialized units will conduct a technical survey of the town to remove unexploded ordnance,” and that the deployment will continue in subsequent phases.
In a message posted on the X platform, the Lebanese Army Command urged civilians to adhere to the instructions of military units and avoid approaching the area until the deployment is complete.
Earlier on Wednesday, reports indicated that UNIFIL accompanied the Lebanese Army's Engineer Regiment from the 7th Brigade, led by Brigadier General Tony Fares, as they entered the town of Khiam. The joint team used bulldozers and military vehicles to clear roads of debris, including missiles and unexploded munitions. This initial phase of the operation started in the Jallahiyeh region, north of Khiam, and extended to Hamames Hill.
The morning operation followed a UNIFIL inspection of the area to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued, focusing on the Ouaini area in Bint Jbeil, where three people were killed, and Beit Lif, where one person died.
In a separate incident, approximately 15 Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to the al-Jouki family near Bourj al-Moulouk. The Israeli forces conducted a thorough search of the residence, interrogated the two occupants, confiscated their mobile phones and instructed them to leave the area, prohibiting them from returning for the time being.
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