Lebanese army launches recruitment drive to bolster presence in south

AP , Wednesday 4 Dec 2024

The Lebanese army is looking for more recruits as it beefs up its presence in southern Lebanon after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

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FILE - Lebanese army soldiers sit on their armoured vehicle as they patrol the Lebanese side of the Lebanese-Israeli border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Lebanon.AP

 

Lebanon’s army is a respected national institution that kept to the sidelines during the nearly 14-month conflict.

During an initial 60-day truce, thousands of Lebanese troops are supposed to deploy in southern Lebanon, where U.N. peacekeepers also have a presence.

Hezbollah fighters are to pull back from areas near the border as Israel withdraws its ground forces.

The army said those interested in joining up have a one-month period to apply, starting Tuesday.

The Lebanese army has about 80,000 troops, with around 5,000 of them deployed in the south.

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