Pakistan, July 21 -- Lebanon's army has begun taking control of security in three southern villages under a US-backed framework aimed at Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. The move marks the first test of the agreement on the ground.

The United States said Lebanese forces started operations in pilot zones in Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya. US officials said the deployment followed talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome.

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State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott called the move a direct result of recent negotiations. He said Washington would continue working with both sides to implement the framework successfully.

The agreement signed by Le...