In a tragic incident on Monday, Lebanon’s army reported the death of a soldier and injuries to three others following an explosion in the southern region of the country. The explosion occurred while a specialized army unit was conducting an engineering survey in the Tyre district, an area where the Lebanese military has been actively dismantling mines and explosive materials.
According to an official statement from the army, the explosion resulted from a “suspicious object” detonating during the survey operation. The statement confirmed the death of one member of the unit and reported that three soldiers sustained moderate injuries. President Joseph Aoun elaborated on the incident, emphasizing that the soldiers were engaged in dismantling mines within a tunnel, underscoring the dangers faced by the military in their efforts to secure the region.
President Aoun remarked that the Lebanese army continues to make sacrifices to enforce state authority in southern Lebanon, a region historically fraught with conflict, particularly due to the activities of non-state armed groups. He referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was established to bring an end to the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and aimed at promoting stability by requiring the disarmament of all non-state armed groups.
Resolution 1701 stipulates that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers should operate in southern Lebanon, a directive aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining peace in the area. The resolution was part of a broader effort to resolve ongoing hostilities, requiring Hezbollah to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, and dismantle any military infrastructure present in the south.
Despite these efforts, reports indicate that Israel has maintained a military presence in strategic locations within Lebanon, leading to continuous tensions. During the previous conflict, Israeli forces reportedly uncovered a network of Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, raising concerns regarding ongoing military activities in the region.
In recent developments, a source close to Hezbollah disclosed that the group had relinquished control of around 190 out of approximately 265 identified military positions south of the Litani River to the Lebanese army. Additionally, Al Jazeera reported President Aoun stating that the army has successfully dismantled tunnels and confiscated weapons without opposition from Hezbollah, although complete deployment of the army throughout the south has not yet been realized.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Lebanese military in maintaining peace and security in a region historically characterized by conflict and instability.
