BEIRUT
Lebanon’s military announced Thursday it is entering a new phase of a plan to deploy across the south and disarm non-state armed groups, a move squarely aimed at the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The military’s statement did not name Hezbollah directly, but the effort follows a Washington-brokered ceasefire that ended a devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel last year.
Disarming militias was declared a top priority by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam after taking office following the truce.
Ahead of a high-level meeting to discuss the deployment, President Aoun strongly endorsed the army’s plan. He also called on Israel to halt attacks, withdraw from occupied areas, and release Lebanese prisoners.
In a clear reference to Iran, he urged friendly countries not to send weapons to Lebanon except through official state institutions.
By James Kisoo
