The Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism, US Major General Jasper Jeffers, and French Brigadier General Guillaume Ponchin visited the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Fifth Brigade headquarters in southwest Lebanon on Tuesday, according to a press release from the US Embassy in Lebanon.
The visit is part of the LAF’s ongoing efforts to secure southern areas in light of the withdrawal of Israeli forces on January 6.
At five kilometers northeast of Naqoura, the Fifth Brigade headquarters has become a central hub for security operations to stabilize the area. Under the Mechanism-enabled transition, the LAF deployed troops to clear roads, dispose of unauthorized munitions and safeguard the civilian population.
Generals Jeffers and Ponchin inspected stockpiles of weapons confiscated from unauthorized armed groups, which are scheduled for destruction in the coming days.
Commending the LAF’s swift and decisive actions, Major General Jeffers stated, “The LAF is the legitimate security provider for Lebanon and continues to demonstrate its capability, intent and leadership to secure and defend the country. Their decisive actions and clear expertise were evident today in the operations of the Fifth Brigade.”
He praised the efforts of the LAF engineer corps, which was crucial in removing and disposing of hundreds of unexploded ordnance weekly.
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