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Washington Delivers $50 Million-Worth Military Equipment to Lebanese Army | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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U.S. Ambassador in Beirut Elizabeth Richard with Lebanese army officials during the ceremony to deliver the military assistance to the LAF at Beirut Port. NNA


Beirut-Washington delivered on Tuesday a major military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) valued at $50 million, including armed vehicles, tanks and ammunitions.

During the delivery ceremony held at Beirut Port, U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Elizabeth Richard said: “What we’re doing today is receiving an entire ship full of equipment that will help the Lebanese Armed Forces fight the fight against extremists and defend the country’s border.”

Richard added “some of the equipment that you see around behind you will help Lebanese soldiers move safely around their area of responsibility. Some of this equipment will let them take the fight to the enemy, helping them go on the offensive.”

According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Army, the U.S. military assistance included 50 armored Humvees, 40 Howitzer field artillery pieces, 50 grenade launchers and a number of ammunition including small, medium, and heavy artillery rounds.

Richard revealed that this year, the U.S. has provided over $221 million in equipment and training to the Lebanese security forces.

“Lebanon is the 5th largest recipient of United States foreign military financing in the world. That shows the level of our commitment here,” she said.

In Tripoli, Lebanese Army chief General Jean Qahwaji inspected on Tuesday the military units deployed in and around the city.

During his meeting with generals and officers, Qahwaji praised the efforts and sacrifices made by the army in order to control the Lebanese-Syrian border and preserve stability in Tripoli and the North.

He said: “The army is today more competent in terms of munitions, training, and strengths.”

He added that the military institution shall remain the backbone of the nation, away from any political or sectarian polarization.