(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The United States will deliver aid to the Lebanese Army, said Ambassador David Hale on Thursday.
“The United States has always stood in support of Lebanon’s security and stability. We agree with Lebanon’s leaders that the state, through the LAF, must be capable of safeguarding Lebanon from the potential acts of terror and violence these groups bring,” Hale said.
Hale said the coming deliveries would include weapons and ammunition.
“U.S. military assistance will begin arriving in the next few weeks and will continue in the months to follow. This assistance will enhance the Lebanese Army’s ability to secure Lebanon’s borders, protect Lebanon’s people and fight extremist groups.”
Hale said the U.S. had donated $1 billion to the Lebanese Army since 2006.
“We continue to stand with Lebanon and the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces as they protect Lebanon from the spillover of violence from Syria,” he said.
Hale’s pledge comes two days after United Kingdom Ambassador Tom Fletcher met with Salam and Army General Jean Kahwaji to make a similar commitment.
Lebanon has faced the worst spillover from the Syrian civil war yet, which killed at least 19 soldiers, 60 militants, and more than 15 civilians.