Lebanon says over 500 arms depots dismantled in south

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – Lebanon has dismantled more than 500 weapons depots across the country's south as part of efforts to strengthen state authority, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Tuesday.

Speaking at an investment conference in Beirut, Salam said his government is committed to extending state control over all Lebanese territory, including entry and exit points, particularly Beirut's airport.

"We continue working through diplomatic channels to pressure Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanese territory and withdraw from the five remaining points it still controls in the south," he added.

Israel has conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah’s activities despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon reached last November.

The truce ended months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of over 200 people and injuries to more than 500 since last November.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.