Lebanese army claims to have achieved state monopoly on weapons in the south

The Lebanese army has extended its control over most of the region, with the exception of areas occupied by the Israeli army. It added that work still needs to be done to remove tunnels and unexploded ordnance.

The measure follows the 2024 ceasefire with Israel, according to which only official Lebanese forces are to be armed.

Although the statement does not explicitly mention Hezbollah, security sources say it is a clear signal that no non-state group will be able to launch attacks from the south of the country.

Beirut is facing growing pressure from the US and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, as they fear its potential to escalate the conflict.

Israel has launched a series of strikes in the past that have weakened the Iranian-backed militants. Both sides also repeatedly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

(reuters, pir)