Lebanese Army

 News

Italy donates spare equipment, parts to Lebanese Army

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Italy donated 773,000 euros, or $880,000 USD, worth of spare parts for trucks and helicopters to the Lebanese Army, according to a statement by the Italian Embassy in Beirut.

The Italian Pinerolo Brigade, which operates as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, made the donation to the Lebanese Armed Forces at the Command of the Logistics Brigade.

“Italy supports Lebanon through its participation within UNIFIL and the direct aid granted to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Giuseppe Morabito said. “The Lebanese Armed Forces are doing an excellent job in order to preserve Lebanon’s stability, which is also in Italy’s interest.”

Italian Defense Attache of the Embassy of Italy in Lebanon Gen. Pierluigi Monteduro said the donation was made on behalf of the Italian government to boost anti-terrorism capabilities.

The Lebanese Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics Gen. Manuel Kirejian thanked the Italian government and the Pinerolo Brigade for their efforts, recalling previous aid from Italy, particularly in south Lebanon.

The Italian contingent in Lebanon is assigned by UN Resolution 1701 of 2006, to monitor hostilities cessation, support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and provide assistance to the local population for the development of the economy, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

The Italian donation comes just one week after the United States delivered a shipment of weapons totaling $25 million.

Meanwhile France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said his country would begin delivering weapons purchased with a $3 billion Saudi grant to the Lebanese military in the first week of April.

Comments Off on Italy donates spare equipment, parts to Lebanese Army 4233
 News

U.S. donates $25M worth of military aid to Lebanon

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The United States donated $25 million worth of weapons and ammunition to the Lebanese Army on Sunday, marking the latest American assistance to Lebanon as it fights extremists along the border with Syria.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale said the shipment included 70 U.S. made towed field artillery M198 Howitzers and 26 million rounds of ammunition.

“Recent attacks against Lebanon’s Army only strengthen America’s resolve to stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon to confront these threats,” a statement by the U.S. Embassy said.

Lebanon is fifth largest recipient of U.S. foreign military funding for 2014, according to Hale. He added that $100 million were given to Lebanon last year and over a $1 billion worth since 2006.

The latest military donation to Lebanon comes just one month after the U.S. delivered dozens of armored Humvees to the Lebanese Army. (Photo © U.S. Embassy Beirut)
The latest military donation to Lebanon comes just one month after the U.S. delivered dozens of armored Humvees to the Lebanese Army. (Photo © U.S. Embassy Beirut)

“We are fighting the same enemy, so our support for you has been swift and continuous,” Hale said from Beirut’s port. “We are very proud of this and this is top-of-the-line equipment. This is the best that there is in the marketplace. It’s what our soldiers use.”

Lebanese and American officials attended a handover ceremony Sunday at Beirut’s port, including Lebanese Brigadier General Manuel Kerejian, who oversaw the delivery alongside Hale.

Hale says U.S. help to Lebanon will continue “until the job is done.”

“I know that in a matter of days it’s going to be what your brave soldiers are using in the battle to defeat terrorism and extremism that is pouring across the border from Syria.”

This is the latest aid promised to Lebanon. In November, France and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement for Paris to provide the Lebanese army with $3 billion worth of weapons, but those weapons are not expected to arrive until April.

VIDEO: Lebanon gets massive weapons shipment from the United States:

Comments Off on U.S. donates $25M worth of military aid to Lebanon 1941
 News

Security forces sweep Roumieh prison after Tripoli attack

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese security forces raided the largest and most notorious prison in Beirut after intercepting calls between inmates and members of the cell responsible for the recent fatal bombing in Tripoli.

Lebanese police reportedly entered and established a security perimeter around Block B of the prison at 7am, where many high-profile Islamist militant prisoners were held. Lebanese Army helicopters also monitored the scene from low altitudes above the complex.

The police conducted a nine-hour operation to transfer prisoners from Block B to Block D, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Interior.

“What was happening in Block B could not continue,” said Nouhad Machnouk, Minister of Interior. “Confronting terrorism will continue. We will continue with the security plan.”

Machnouk added that the Roumieh Prison was originally built to hold about 3,500 inmates, but it is now overflowed with 8,000 prisoners.

Block B holds 900 prisoners and 300 of them are labeled as “terrorists” by security forces.

In protest of the transfers, some prisoners burned their mattresses, which required the assistance of the Lebanese Army to extinguish fires and control the inmates.

“The situation is under control and there are no casualties and the plan being implemented complements the overall security plan for Lebanon,” a statement by the Internal Security Forces said.

“Roumieh Prison is part of that plan, especially after the discovery of ties between a number of prisoners and the terrorist blast in the Jabal Mohsen area.”

The prisoners were moved to “well-monitored cells” and were no longer given access to mobile phones and the Internet.

“Security forces have seized all phones,” Machnouk said, adding that the move served to “stop a process of communication that was facilitating terrorism.”

At least nine people were killed and more than 37 others were injured in the bomb attack in the northern city of Tripoli on January 10. The al-Nusra Front has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Over the past months, Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli, has been rocked by turmoil due to the conflict between supporters and opponents of the government of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad.

RELATED: Suicide bombing inside Tripoli coffee shop kills 9. Read more.

Comments Off on Security forces sweep Roumieh prison after Tripoli attack 1545
 News

Tammam Salam in Dubai: “I will ask for military aid”

Tammam_Salam

(DUBAI, UAE) — Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said he would ask the United Arab Emirates for military aid to Lebanon on Monday, after arriving in Dubai for a two-day diplomatic visit.

Salam praised UAE’s “old and continuous” support for Lebanon, telling journalists he “will ask the Emirates to provide helicopter gunships similar to the Gazelle choppers that it offered Lebanon in the past.”

During a reception hosted by the Lebanese community in Dubai, Salam called the situation in Lebanon “difficult,” and explained that the government’s concern was electing a new president.

“The security situation is difficult in the region and its environs,” he said. “Lebanon, with all its sects and provinces, is not a safe haven for terrorism or the like. All the Lebanese are united with the Army and security forces to shield and protect the internal situation.”

Salam also spoke about the Lebanese soldiers and policemen held hostage for more than three months by ISIS and Nusra Front militants, assuring families the government will not rest until the hostages are released. He also said he would not give in to militant conditions.

“We are living every moment with those kidnapped soldiers. Terrorism is imposing conditions on us,” Salam said. “We will not succumb to blackmail and we will not weaken in the face of threats. This requires solidarity from the Lebanese.”

Salam is expected to meet Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammaed al-Maktoum and other senior Foreign Ministry officials on Tuesday.

He will also visit the American University of Dubai and Al-Arabiya satellite television channel and meet Lebanese communities in Dubai, before holding a press conference in the evening.

Salam is accompanied by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, Education Minister Elias Bou Saab and Youth and Sports Minister Abdul-Muttaleb al-Hinawi.

Comments Off on Tammam Salam in Dubai: “I will ask for military aid” 1441
 News

Roadside bomb wounds three Lebanese soldiers

(ARSAL, LEBANON) — A roadside bomb wounding three Lebanese soldiers exploded near an army patrol in eastern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese military said in a statement.

The attack took place near the town of Arsal along the Syrian border. The army later said that two bombs were found near the scene of the blast, each weighting 15 kilograms (33 pounds).

Militants from neighboring Syria briefly seized control of Arsal in August before withdrawing with more than two dozen Lebanese security forces as hostages. The army has clashed with gunmen in the area several times since then.

Arsal and surrounding areas have been the site of clashes between soldiers and militants from al Qaeda’s Syria wing, Nusra Front, and the militant group Islamic State. Gunmen from the groups briefly took over the town in August and took a group of soldiers captive.

Also Friday, the U.S. embassy said Vice Admiral Mark Fox, Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Lebanon and met with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, army commander Gen. Jean Kahwaji and other Lebanese military officials.

“In his meetings, Vice Admiral Fox noted the success of the LAF in its recent battle against extremist militants in Arsal,” the statement said.

Fox “reaffirmed continued U.S. support” to the Lebanese army and Lebanon’s security institutions, it said.

The U.S. has been speeding up delivery of ammunition to help Lebanon’s military combat jihadi groups. Washington has provided more than $1 billion in military assistance to Lebanon since 2006.

Comments Off on Roadside bomb wounds three Lebanese soldiers 1923
 News

France signs $3B deal with Saudi Arabia to arm Lebanon

(PARIS, FRANCE) — France and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on Tuesday for Paris to provide the Lebanese army with $3 billion worth of French weapons and military equipment paid for by Riyadh, the French foreign minister said.

The deal, which was first announced in December, aims to boost Lebanon’s military strength as it struggles to contain violence on the Syrian border. The Lebanese army has few resources to deal with the instability on its border and has been seeking funding from other countries.

“I welcome the signing of the contract to assist the Lebanese army,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement. “This agreement, financed by a Saudi donation, will strengthen the Lebanese army, which is the guarantor of the unity and stability of Lebanon.”

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Saudi Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assad and Edouard Guillaud, the head of the ODAS organization set up by France for the export of defense equipment, signed the final agreement.

The French defense ministry says they will outline details of the contract in the coming days.

There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia or Lebanon. But the Lebanese military said Monday that army commander Gen. Jean Kahwaji was traveling to attend the signing ceremony.

The deal supposedly includes “land, air, and naval equipment,” according to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, when  he spoke to parliament on October 8 to outline the deal.

Since announcing the deal in December, Riyadh’s regional rival, Iran, has also said it is ready to provide aid to the Lebanese army. Many Lebanese view these offers as part of a competition for influence over their tiny country, which is split by sectarian divides.

The Lebanese army is generally seen as a unifying force in Lebanon, and draws its ranks from all of the country’s sects, but it has struggled to contain the escalating violence since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict.

Saudi Arabia, which has already provided $1 billion in military aid to the Lebanese army, has recently taken part in U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria.

Comments Off on France signs $3B deal with Saudi Arabia to arm Lebanon 1116
 News

Lebanese army kills three men in raid

Lebanese soldiers patrol in the outskirt

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanon’s army says it killed three men and arrested several others during a raid on an apartment containing weapons and ammunition where authorities suspected an attack was being planned, security sources said on Thursday.

The sources said the apartment in the northern town of Asoun housed Lebanese and Syrian gunmen wanted by authorities, including an Islamic State fighter accused of beheading a soldier.

The Lebanese army has recently stepped up its efforts to prevent fighters, most notably from al Qaeda’s Syrian wing, the Nusra Front, from crossing into Lebanon, but it has repeatedly called for more military aid to support their efforts.

“The raid happened at 5 am. One soldier was wounded,” a security source said on condition of anonymity.

Islamist militants have kidnapped 33 members of the Lebanese security forces, the sources say, most of them taken during an incursion into the northern town on Arsal in August, the deadliest spillover of Syria’s three-year-old civil war into Lebanon so far.

The militants have since killed three of the soldiers in captivity.

Source: Reuters

Comments Off on Lebanese army kills three men in raid 1892
 News

Iran’s army proposal waits for Lebanon’s approval

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Iran is waiting for response from Lebanon to dispatch military aid for the Lebanese army in its fight against Takfiri terrorists, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Thursday.

Lebanese army is on the frontline of war on terrorism, Afkham said, speaking to al-Ahd network affiliated to Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

She added, “When provided with sufficient equipment, the Lebanese army will be able to effectively fight the terrorists.”

The promise of aid comes after Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia pledged billions of dollars to Lebanon’s armed forces, and will be seen by many Lebanese as part of a competition for influence over the country.

“We have witnessed in the past that certain countries voiced readiness to help the Lebanese army but they failed to keep their promises,” Afkham said.

Lebanon’s Defense Minister Samir Moqbel visited Iran for three days on October 18 to discuss Iran’s military donation to Lebanon as well as ways to promote Tehran-Beirut defense relations.

Moqbel held talks with senior Iranian officials including his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan.

Immediately after his return to Beirut on October 22, Moqbel held separate meetings with five senior Lebanese political and military officials briefing them on his talks with the Iranian officials, according to Trend News Agency.

Saudi Arabia has promised $3 billion to the Lebanese army via France. Many Lebanese fear involvement by the two countries could further exacerbate sectarian tensions.

Comments Off on Iran’s army proposal waits for Lebanon’s approval 1198
 News

Kahwaji in Washington, DC for anti-ISIS coalition meeting

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese Army commander General Jean Kahwaji traveled to Washington, DC for a meeting with a U.S.-led coalition against ISIS this week.

Sources say Kahwaji has been in Washington, DC since the weekend, and was planned to take part in a Thursday meeting with President Barack Obama. He is also expected to meet coalition military chiefs to discuss Lebanon’s role and participation in combating ISIS.

The meeting, which is led by U.S. General Martin Dempsey, invited military chiefs from 20 of the partners in the 60 member coalition. Representatives from Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are expected to attend.

“It is part of ongoing efforts to build the coalition and integrate the capabilities of each country into the broader strategy,” said Alistair Baskey, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.

The coalition has been met with suspicion and hostility from several Lebanese politicians.

Speaker Nabih Berri Monday dismissed the coalition as “meaningless,” while MP Walid Jumblatt described it as a “lie” and suggested it was part of a wider conspiracy to divide the Middle East.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil defended Lebanon’s participation in the coalition based on national interests.

Comments Off on Kahwaji in Washington, DC for anti-ISIS coalition meeting 1417
 News

Prime Minister Salam sends emotional appeal to United Nations

(NEW YORK, NY) — During a diplomatic trip to New York, Lebanon’s prime minister Tammam Salam appealed to United Nation world leaders saying his country is facing a “fierce terrorist onslaught” and a national disaster created by more than one million Syrian refugees.

Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Salam said Lebanon is determined not to give in to “pressure and blackmail” by Islamic extremists who overran a the northeastern town of Arsal, Lebanon in August and are holding about 20 Lebanese soldiers and policemen hostage.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda breakaway group, has already beheaded two of them and the Nusra Front, the main al-Qaeda branch in Syria, has shot a third, sparking days of violence against Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Since then, Lebanese troops have clashed with jihadist fighters in the border area near the Lebanese town of Arsal.

The extremists have made various demands in exchange for the soldiers’ release, including the release of Islamist prisoners in Lebanese jails.

“We will never give in to such pressure, and will remain focused on the release of our soldiers, while preserving our country,” Salam said.

Salam also said the number of Syrian refugees are equivalent to one-third of the Lebanese population and has become a major national disaster.

“To be fully aware of the implications of this situation, one should imagine a hundred million people – yes, one hundred million people – flocking massively into the United States and spreading randomly in cities, towns, schools and parks,” he said.

Deputy Secretary of State of the United Nations William J. Burns says that although the Lebanese people have “(proven) their strength,” they are also in “dire need” of help.

“The Lebanese people can count on the support of partners across the region and across the world, as well from the United Nations and multiple Security Council Resolutions,” Burns said.

Comments Off on Prime Minister Salam sends emotional appeal to United Nations 1495

Send this to friend