An arms depot explosion killed six Lebanese army specialists Saturday while they were dismantling munitions in south Lebanon.

According to the Associated Press, the deadly blast occurred near the village of Zibqin in Tyre province as experts worked to dismantle stored munitions. The Lebanese army confirmed the incident left several other soldiers wounded and said efforts were underway to determine the explosion's cause.

The depot was believed to have been used by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that withdrew from the area following November's ceasefire agreement with Israel. Lebanese forces and U.N. peacekeepers have been gradually taking control of former Hezbollah positions south of the Litani River as part of the peace arrangement.

Tensions Rise Over Disarmament Plans

The Lebanese Cabinet voted Thursday to support a U.S.-backed initiative calling for Hezbollah's disarmament and full implementation of the Israel ceasefire. The government directed the national army to develop a comprehensive plan ensuring only state institutions would possess weapons by year's end.

Hezbollah leadership has rejected immediate disarmament, demanding Israel first withdraw from five strategic border hills and cease airstrikes. The militant group claims Israeli attacks have killed more than 250 people since the November ceasefire took effect.

This disagreement has created a significant rift between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah regarding the timeline and conditions for weapons surrender. The international community continues to monitor the implementation of disarmament provisions outlined in the peace agreement.

Protests Challenge Government Authority

The Cabinet's disarmament decision has sparked anger among Hezbollah supporters across Lebanon. Demonstrations have erupted in areas where the militant group maintains strong popular backing, challenging the government's authority over security matters.

Lebanese army officials issued stern warnings Friday against any attempts to destabilize national security. Military commanders specifically cautioned protesters against blocking roads or damaging public and private property during demonstrations.

The protests represent a direct challenge to the government's ability to implement the U.S.-backed disarmament plan. Hezbollah's extensive support network in certain regions complicates efforts to enforce state control over weapons and territory previously under militant group influence.

Strategic Implications for Regional Stability

The deadly explosion highlights the dangerous conditions Lebanese forces face while securing former conflict zones. Army specialists must carefully handle abandoned munitions and weapons caches left behind during Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern territories.

The incident occurred in a strategically important area south of the Litani River, where the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah conflict officially ended in November.

Lebanese troops and international peacekeepers have been working methodically to establish government control over these previously contested regions.

Security Concerns Persist Amid Transition

The ongoing tensions between government disarmament plans and Hezbollah's resistance could threaten the fragile ceasefire arrangement. International observers continue monitoring the situation as Lebanon attempts to assert state authority over all armed groups within its borders.

The explosion underscores the complexity of transferring control from militant groups to state forces in post-conflict areas. Saturday's tragedy demonstrates the inherent risks Lebanese army personnel face while clearing weapons from former Hezbollah strongholds.

Military experts emphasize that munitions disposal operations require extensive training and specialized equipment to prevent such deadly incidents. The Lebanese army's efforts to secure these dangerous materials while maintaining the ceasefire agreement remain critical to long-term regional stability.