Lebanon military receives additional arms from US, UK

The Lebanese army yesterday received three US-made helicopters worth $26 million and British aid worth about $29 million to help boost security along its border with Syria.

US Charge d’Affaires and interim ambassador, Richard H. Jones, said that the $26 million helicopters “demonstrate America’s continued commitment to support” the army’s modernisation plans.

The three new Huey II helicopters raise the number of US-made aircrafts of this model in Lebanon’s fleet to 10, he added.

In 2014, militants took controlled of the Lebanese border town of Arsal before the Lebanese army fought them off and regained control of the town.

Jones said the helicopters will improve the military’s ability to strengthen its positions “in remote tension areas along the border and support the army’s war on terrorists.”

The announcement coincides with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond’s visit to Lebanon yesterday where he announced that the UK would provide Lebanon with an additional $6.5 million to help train more than 5,000 soldiers.

“Lebanon is an important part of the frontline against terrorism,” he told journalists after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam.

During a visit to Lebanon last week, European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini said its security is important for Europe’s safety and the European Union is ready to expand its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

In February, Saudi Arabia halted a $3 billion programme funding military supplies to Lebanon’s security forces.