UN OFFICIAL SAYS LEBANESE ARMY CONTROL SOUTH OF LITANI MARKS ‘UNDENIABLE PROGRESS’

BEIRUT/ISTANBUL, Jan 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The UN special coordinator for Lebanon on Thursday said the Lebanese army’s confirmation that it has assumed operational control south of the Litani River marks “undeniable progress”, while stressing that further efforts are still needed, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the development represents a key milestone but cautioned that the process remains incomplete.

“Great to see the Lebanese army confirm it has assumed operational control south of the Litani. This is undeniable progress. Hard work lies ahead. But today’s milestone shows commitment and reinforces the role of the mechanism established by the Nov 24 arrangement,” she said on social media platform X.

Earlier Thursday, the Lebanese army said its plan to ensure that weapons are held exclusively by the state has completed its first phase and entered an advanced stage, warning that ongoing Israeli attacks and the continued occupation of Lebanese positions are negatively affecting its implementation.

The army said the plan follows a government decision adopted on Aug 5, 2025, to restrict arms to the state, including weapons held by Hezbollah, adding that the strategy is being implemented in five phases.

In a statement, the army reaffirmed its full commitment to maintaining security and stability across the country, particularly in areas south of the Litani River.

Lebanon and Israel have observed a ceasefire since November 2024 that ended more than a year of cross-border attacks amid the war in Gaza. More than 4,000 people were killed, and 17,000 others were injured.

Under the ceasefire, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January, but it only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU