US says pilot zone operations in south Lebanon have begun

The United States on Monday announced the launch of the “pilot zone” process in south Lebanon.

“Today, pilot zone operations began in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar Al-Gharbiya in accordance with the Trilateral Framework and under the auspices of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“This milestone is a direct outcome of last week’s discussions between Israel and Lebanon in Rome. The United States will continue working closely with both parties to implement the Framework to a successful conclusion,” the statement added.

The announcement coincides with a visit to Washington by President Joseph Aoun, who is scheduled to meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Pilot zones are areas from which Israel is supposed to withdraw its forces to be replaced by the Lebanese Army. However, some of the announced villages are not occupied while others are under Israeli gunfire.