Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal has pledged to complete deployment in all areas of southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces withdraw, AlJazeera reports.

According to the report, Haykal made the remarks in an address to soldiers while marking the army’s 81st anniversary.

Haykal honoured the fallen, wounded and retired personnel and praised serving troops for their sacrifices, it said.

“The army remains committed to fulfilling all its missions despite the significant difficulties stemming from limited resources, the magnitude of the tasks, and the delicate circumstances,” the report quoted Haykal as saying.

“The army is also completing its deployment in the south in accordance with existing agreements and in line with national principles and requirements.”

He further said that the army was continuing efforts to ensure the safe return of residents to their villages and towns, and was prepared to deploy in all occupied areas from which Israeli forces withdraw. “However, the occupation persists in its ongoing attacks and violations to obstruct the army’s efforts,” he added.