Lebanese Army Prepares To Expand Southern Presence During Hezbollah-Israel Conflict
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on Thursday that the army was preparing to bolster its presence in southern Lebanon, citing the need to defend the country’s sovereignty during a volatile period. His statement came as Lebanon marked its 81st Independence Day, with Mikati emphasizing the sacrifices made by military personnel “in defense of the homeland, its sovereignty, and independence.”
Army Commander General Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the military’s commitment to cooperating with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) under UN Security Council Resolution 1701. “Our forces stand alongside their people, fulfilling their national duty and carrying out their missions despite the challenges and dangers they face,” he stated.
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The Independence Day celebration occurred amid ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. On Thursday, Israeli forces conducted three airstrikes on southern Beirut suburbs shortly after issuing evacuation warnings for areas including Haret Hreik and Hadath, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Strikes hit Sfeir, Bir al-Abed, and Kafa’at, with smoke rising from targeted areas. Casualty figures were not immediately reported.
Lebanon has suffered heavy casualties and widespread displacement since the escalation of hostilities on Oct. 8. The Health Ministry reported over 3,500 deaths and 15,000 injuries from Israeli airstrikes, while more than 1.3 million people have been displaced from southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and southern Beirut suburbs.
The conflict has intensified since late September, with Israel launching airstrikes and initiating ground operations across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.
