Lebanese Army Says It Has Taken Full Control of Weapons in Southern Lebanon

Post by : Saif Nasser

The Lebanese army has announced that it has successfully established the state’s control over weapons in southern Lebanon in what it called an “effective and tangible way.” This statement marks an important moment for the country, which has long struggled with armed groups operating outside government control.

According to the army, security forces have expanded their operational control across most of southern Lebanon, except in areas where Israeli troops are still present. The army said its mission to remove non-state weapons from the region met the deadline it had set for the end of the year.

Southern Lebanon has been a sensitive area for decades due to repeated conflicts with Israel and the presence of armed groups. In 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon ended more than a year of fighting. One key condition of that agreement was that only Lebanon’s official security forces would be allowed to carry weapons in the south.

Although the army statement did not name Hezbollah, it was widely understood to refer to the powerful armed group that fought a long conflict with Israel and has strong influence in parts of Lebanon. A Lebanese security source said the army’s announcement signals that no group will now be able to launch attacks from southern Lebanon.

The army also admitted that challenges remain. It said work is still ongoing to clear unexploded bombs, remove tunnels, and fully secure all areas. These dangers continue to pose risks to civilians and soldiers alike.

Lebanon has been under increasing pressure from the United States and Israel to ensure that all weapons are under state control. Lebanese leaders fear that failure to do so could lead to renewed and wider Israeli military action in a country already suffering from economic hardship and infrastructure damage.

Israel and Lebanon have accused each other of violating the 2024 ceasefire, showing how fragile the situation remains. Still, the army’s statement suggests that Lebanon is trying to assert its authority and prevent future conflicts along its southern border.

For many Lebanese citizens, the army’s announcement offers cautious hope. Stronger state control could bring greater stability and safety to a region that has seen years of violence. However, lasting peace will depend on continued cooperation, careful enforcement, and regional calm.