Naharnet

Aoun Asks Security Agencies to 'Closely Monitor' Situation in South

President Michel Aoun on Tuesday called on Lebanon’s military and security agencies to “closely monitor” the situation in south Lebanon, after Israel launched an operation against alleged Hizbullah tunnels on its side of the border.

After following up on the developments, the president held a series of phone calls that involved Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, the National News Agency said.

“During President Aoun’s phone calls, the situation was evaluated in light of the available information about the objectives of the Israeli operation and security agencies were asked to closely monitor the situation,” NNA added.

The Israeli army said it launched an operation dubbed "Northern Shield" to destroy "attack tunnels" it accused Hizbullah of digging under the border.

Hizbullah has not yet reacted and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said they had increased patrols along the border, as Israeli bulldozers went to work.

"The overall situation in UNIFIL's area of operation remains calm," Joumana Sayegh, a spokeswoman for the U.N. mission which monitors the border region, said in a statement.

"UNIFIL is working with all interlocutors in order to maintain the overall stability," she said.

"UNIFIL peacekeepers have further increased their patrolling along the Blue Line, together with the Lebanese Armed Forces," Sayegh added, referring to the U.N.-established ceasefire line.

The Lebanese Army also said it was monitoring the situation closely.

Source: Naharnet


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