Lebanese soldiers holding a position in a mountainous area in east Lebanon. (August 17, 2017) (Photo: AFP)
Lebanon army denies reports of withdrawing from southern border
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) denied today reports of units withdrawing from its positions on the southern border in response to the “Israeli” ground invasion launched yesterday night.
The media reports noted that the Lebanese Army has withdrawn several kilometers from its posts near the border with “Israel”. However, the army clarified that its forces in the south are “merely repositioning some of their frontline observation posts within their assigned operational sectors” – per an official statement.
It added that this strategic realignment is being conducted in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and that the military continues to monitor the situation and maintain defensive readiness.
Read more: Ten family members killed as “Israeli” airstrikes continue to pound south Lebanon
In the early hours of Tuesday, the “Israeli” military officially announced the start of a “limited and targeted” ground operation in southern Lebanon, also demanding the evacuations of areas near the border.
According to “Israeli” military sources, the operation is aimed at targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure along the border and neutralizing it, which they claim pose an immediate threat to the “Israeli” settlements in the north.
The operation, according to “Israeli” military sources, aims to neutralize Hezbollah infrastructure and positions near the border, which they claim pose an immediate threat to “Israeli” settlements.