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

Alsharq Tribune-World News

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.