Lebanon Soldier Explosion: Casualties in Southern Incident
In a tragic incident on Monday, Lebanon’s army reported that one soldier was killed and three others sustained injuries due to an explosion in the southern region of the country. The soldiers were engaged in the dangerous task of dismantling mines within a tunnel at the time of the explosion. President Joseph Aoun provided further details, specifying that the explosion occurred while a specialized army unit was conducting an engineering survey in Tyre district.
The army’s official statement noted that the explosion of a suspicious object led to the death of one unit member and moderate injuries to three others. In a message from Aoun’s office, he emphasized that these soldiers were actively working to dismantle mines and explosive devices in the area. President Aoun remarked on the ongoing commitment of the Lebanese army, stating, “Once again, the Lebanese army is paying the price of extending state authority over the south and achieving stability by implementing Resolution 1701.”
Background on UN Resolution 1701
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which concluded the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, established a framework for a ceasefire that significantly reduced hostilities in the region. This resolution mandated the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and declared that the Lebanese military and UN peacekeepers should be the sole forces present in southern Lebanon.
As part of this ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was ordered to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military structures in the southern territories. Israeli troops, who were expected to fully withdraw from Lebanon by February 18, have retained a presence in five locations deemed ‘strategic,’ following a missed January deadline.
Hezbollah’s Position and Military Movements
During the 2006 war, the Israeli army reported discovering a network of Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon. However, according to sources close to Hezbollah, approximately 190 out of 265 identified military positions south of the Litani have been surrendered to the Lebanese armed forces.
In comments reported by the Qatar-based network Al Jazeera, President Aoun highlighted that the Lebanese army had successfully dismantled tunnels and confiscated weapons without facing any objections from Hezbollah, although he acknowledged that the military had not yet established a presence throughout the entire southern region.
