U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, head of the International Ceasefire Monitoring Committee in southern Lebanon. (Photo sent to L'Orient Today by U.S. embassy)
U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, head of the International Cease-fire Monitoring Committee, toured Khiam (Marjayoun) on Friday, accompanied by Brigadier General Tony Faris, commander of the Lebanese Army's 7th Brigade, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
According to a statement released by the U.S. embassy, Jeffers visited LAF soldiers in the South Litani area.
The visit included a stop in Khiam, the first border region to fully transition back to Lebanese control since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities on Nov. 27, 2024.
Jeffers commended the LAF, stating, “I am incredibly impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the LAF. They are working around the clock to provide security and dismantle unexploded ordnance so Lebanese citizens can safely return home.”
The U.S. embassy highlighted the LAF's recent efforts, noting that over the last few weeks, the army has cleared more than 9,800 pieces of explosive ordnance from over 80 locations.
Despite the cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel taking effect on Nov. 27, Beirut has denounced hundreds of violations of the agreement by Israel, while the Israeli army continues its operations in southern Lebanon, preventing some residents from returning to their homes. At least 36 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the start of the 60-day truce, which ends on Jan. 27, and villages in the border strip continue to be dynamited on a daily basis.