BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug 15, SPA --Israeli forces have withdrawn from the key town of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon and nearby areas, Lebanese security officials said Tuesday. During Israel's 18-year occupation of south Lebanon thatended in 2000, the Israeli military and its allied Lebanesemilitia had used the town as their command center. The withdrawal from Marjayoun, located 12 kilometers(about eight miles), north of the Israeli border beganMonday, the day a cease-fire in Hezbollah-Israeli fightingwent into effect. By Tuesday, there were no Israeli soldiers or tanks inMarjayoun, the security officials confirmed, speaking oncondition of anonymity because they are not authorized togive information to the media. Israeli troops also were pulling out of Bourj Al-Mulouk, atown on the road halfway between Israel and Marjayoun inthe frontier's eastern sector. But soldiers remained innearby Qleia, the Associated Press reported. Israel hopes to complete the evacuation of its forces from Lebanon by next week, Israeli army officials said Tuesday, ending the military operation against Hezbollah fighters that began July 12 and left much of south Lebanon awasteland. Israeli forces occupied Marjayoun last Thursday as theypushed deep into Lebanon in the final days of the fighting.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/382955