Three Lebanese soldiers were wounded while defusing an explosive device in the south of the country
Three Lebanese soldiers were wounded while attempting to defuse unexploded ordnance in the village of Zavtar al-Gharbiya in the south of the country. This was reported by the Lebanese Army, according to Al Jazeera English.
Earlier that day, the village mayor, Abed Ezzedine, and Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency stated that Israeli troops had entered Zavtar al-Gharbiya overnight and built an earthen embankment. According to the mayor, the barrier is located approximately 100 meters from the village square. An AFP correspondent observed the earthen embankment blocking the road near the eastern entrance to the village.
A source within the Lebanese military called the construction of the barrier a violation of the framework agreement. Meanwhile, the Israeli military told AFP that it had no information about such an incident in the area.
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The Lebanese Army deployed to Zavtar al-Gharbiya on July 21. According to the mayor, about 50 families have since returned to the village. The village is one of two pilot zones where the Lebanese military is stationed under an agreement brokered by the U.S. on June 26. The agreement calls for the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tyre, Ihab al-Akadi, Israeli artillery also shelled the neighboring town of Mansouri. He reported further ground incursions in the areas of Kfar Shuba and Hadad, as well as two drone strikes on open terrain in Mayfadoun. The Israeli side separately reported that one of its soldiers was wounded in southern Lebanon during an operational incident.
On Thursday, Lebanon and Israel concluded the seventh round of direct talks in Rome, mediated by the United States. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that positive progress had been made on the issues of the border and prisoners.
