Lebanese Army Deploys in Southern Villages After Israeli Withdrawal

Lebanese Armed Forces have deployed in southern villages including Froun and Burj Qal after Israeli forces withdrew, Reuters reported July 21. The LAF is clearing unexploded ordnance and assuming sole security control of vacated areas under a U.S.-brokered arrangement. The LAF must certify areas are cleared of Hezbollah presence — the core test for whether wider Israeli withdrawal proceeds.