Beirut, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Lebanese Armed Forces, in collaboration with UNIFIL peacekeepers, have significantly increased their deployment in the southeastern town of Khiam and surrounding areas on Thursday as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance security in the territory south of the Litani River, a military source reported.

The source disclosed to Xinhua news agency that the army's 7th Brigade engineering unit, under the command of Brigadier General Tony Fares, has initiated efforts to clear access roads, eliminate barriers, and identify potential explosives that may have been left by the Israeli army.

Checkpoints have been established at the entrance of Khiam, and coordinated patrols with UNIFIL have commenced within the town's neighborhoods.

This deployment in Khiam signifies the first phase of a more extensive operation by the army in the southern regions of the Litani River. The Israeli army had previously retreated from the area after a three-week occupation that led to the destruction of numerous buildings.

Approximately 6,000 soldiers and numerous armored vehicles have been mobilized by the Lebanese army to various military installations throughout the South Litani region, which includes Marjeyoun, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Tyre, and Zahrani districts.

A ceasefire that has been in effect since November 27 aims to conclude nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to the ceasefire stipulations, Israel is required to withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, during which the Lebanese army will deploy along the border and in the southern regions to take control of security and prevent any armed presence.

On Wednesday, units of the Lebanese army, in conjunction with United Nations peacekeepers, were deployed to five strategic positions around Khiam, as reported by the Lebanese army command.

The command stated, 'Army units were stationed in five locations surrounding Khiam town in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).'

This deployment marks the beginning of operations in the area, occurring alongside the Israeli withdrawal following discussions by the five-member monitoring group.

A subsequent phase will involve specialized units conducting an engineering assessment of the town to clear any unexploded ordnance. The army has advised civilians to keep a distance from the area and adhere to military guidance until the deployment is fully accomplished.