Israeli Drone Strike in Khiam After Forces Withdraw: Tensions Escalate
On December 12, an Israeli drone strike in Khiam, southern Lebanon, killed one and injured two, occurring right after Israeli troops withdrew. The Lebanese army began clearing the area, urging citizens to remain away until authorized. The situation remains tense with ongoing Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire agreement, raising concerns over compliance and accountability.
On December 12, an Israeli drone strike on the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. This attack occurred shortly after Israeli forces had completed their withdrawal from the town, coinciding with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) beginning to clear debris in preparation for civilian return. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported, “An enemy drone raided the square of the town of Khiam, and initial information reported one martyr and two wounded.” The LAF requested citizens to refrain from entering Khiam until authorized by relevant authorities.
The incident was a consequence of ongoing tensions following Israel’s withdrawal, which came a day earlier. Although Israeli troops have left Khiam, they still maintain a presence in various other regions of southern Lebanon. Under the terms of a ceasefire that was enacted on November 27, Israel is expected to withdraw all forces within a sixty-day timeframe. According to UN Resolution 1701, Lebanese troops must dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure located south of the Litani River, while the entry of arms into Lebanon remains prohibited.
A tripartite mechanism involving France, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the United States oversees the compliance and potential violations of the ceasefire agreement. However, numerous airstrikes and assaults by Israel on Lebanon continue to go unaddressed, raising questions about accountability. Hezbollah has responded to these violations, one being a limited rocket attack earlier this month, which sparked a series of Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. These strikes have resulted in significant casualties, including three fatalities from an attack on December 8 in Marjayoun, following other deadly incidents on December 10 and prior dates.
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem remarked on December 5 that despite Israel’s repeated violations, the organization is “giving an opportunity” for the ceasefire to succeed, indicating a complex balance between resistance and pursuit of peace.
The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense following Israel’s recent military actions and the subsequent withdrawal of its forces from Khiam. The ongoing conflict between Israeli military operations and the Lebanese resistance, particularly involving Hezbollah, complicates stability in the region. Following the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United Nations, both parties are experiencing pressure to adhere to the terms outlined, including the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and restrictions on arms entering Lebanon. The interplay of local and international forces, along with historical animosities, continues to escalate hostilities.
The Israeli drone strike in Khiam adds to the ongoing cycle of violence in southern Lebanon, indicating unresolved tensions following Israel’s troop withdrawal. While the Lebanese Armed Forces endeavor to establish order, escalating Israeli airstrikes and assaults highlight the fragility of the ceasefire agreed upon in November. Continued violations from either side may complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace and lead to further instability in the region.
Original Source: thecradle.co
