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Lebanese Army Chief Says Military Units Deployed in the South and ‘Will Not Leave’

Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jospeh Aoun. (Archive-Reuters)
Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jospeh Aoun. (Archive-Reuters)
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Lebanese Army Chief Says Military Units Deployed in the South and ‘Will Not Leave’

Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jospeh Aoun. (Archive-Reuters)
Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jospeh Aoun. (Archive-Reuters)

Lebanon’s Army Commander General Jospeh Aoun stressed on Thursday that the Lebanese military is deployed in the south of the country and will not leave it.
He said the army's presence there is an integral part of Lebanon’s national sovereignty.
In a statement, Aoun emphasized that the Lebanese Army continues to carry out its missions in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
He further stated that the Lebanese Army is resolutely countering "any attempts to destabilize security and stability," underscoring that national unity and civil peace are paramount priorities. These, he emphasized, are red lines that will not be crossed by anyone.
Aoun vowed that the false accusations and "incitement campaigns" targeting the army would only reinforce its resolve, determination, and cohesion.

Since expanding its operations from Gaza to Lebanon in September, Israel has conducted extensive bombing primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds mainly in south Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

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Israel Renews Push to Advance on Lebanon’s Khiam from Three Fronts

Israeli soldiers carry the military coffin of one of their own killed in southern Lebanon battles (AFP)
Israeli soldiers carry the military coffin of one of their own killed in southern Lebanon battles (AFP)
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Israel Renews Push to Advance on Lebanon’s Khiam from Three Fronts

Israeli soldiers carry the military coffin of one of their own killed in southern Lebanon battles (AFP)
Israeli soldiers carry the military coffin of one of their own killed in southern Lebanon battles (AFP)

Israeli forces renewed their attempts to enter Lebanon’s Khiam, launching attacks from three directions: south, east, and northeast, late Tuesday.
The goal was to reach the city's strategic center, alongside efforts to extend control from Shmaa to the coastal road, which began last week but has yet to secure the high ground overlooking Tyre.
The military expanded its attacks to the northeastern edge of the city, near Ibl al-Saqi, in an attempt to encircle Khiam from all sides.
This followed earlier efforts to advance from the east, near Wazzani, and from the south, near the Metulla settlement. This is the first major attack since the previous one two weeks ago, which ended in failure and a retreat by Israeli forces.
Lebanese sources following the battle said the new Israeli assault is advancing from three directions, targeting six key points in an attempt to break through.
These include areas south of Khiam, such as the Sarda region and Wadi al-Asafir, as well as al-Hamamis Hill southeast of the city.
Two other points to the east are being targeted to reach the Khiam prison and city, with a new route added from the northeast, near Ibl al-Saqi, to flank the city from the east.
The sources also reported Israeli airstrikes targeting possible missile sites supporting the defenders, especially in areas near Khiam, such as the Litani River region and the valleys of Deirmimas and Zawtar.
Fierce close-range clashes broke out, with both sides using rifles, rockets, and grenades. The attacking forces were unable to reach the city center and instead repositioned at the outskirts, particularly east of Khiam.
Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV reported that the Israeli military has stepped up its attacks on Khiam and the surrounding areas, carrying out more than 60 airstrikes and drone attacks, as well as over 130 artillery shells.
This follows the failure of an earlier assault 10 days ago. Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli forces near Wadi al-Khayam, south of the city, using rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and targeting two Merkava tanks with guided missiles, destroying them and killing or injuring those inside.
The Israeli forces then partially withdrew from their positions for the second time.
Hezbollah also confirmed it had targeted Israeli military positions south of Khiam with missiles for the second time.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military released footage showing forces advancing at night in areas believed to be on the way to Khiam.