The United States reiterated on Wednesday its commitment to the stability of Lebanon and the region on the anniversary of the 1983 suicide attack on the marine barracks in Beirut, which left 241 US soldiers in addition to French paratroopers dead.
“Thirty-six years ago today two Iranian-backed Hezbollah suicide bombers drove trucks into buildings housing US and French peacekeepers from the Multinational Force in Lebanon at Beirut International Airport. We grieve for those 220 US Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers murdered that day,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
“Today, we remember their sacrifice and the tremendous loss suffered by their families, friends, and partners.”
“Our outrage over this despicable act of terrorism perpetrated on those patriotic men and women remains as deep as ever,” said Pompeo.
The statement quoted former President Ronald Reagan as saying from the White House lawn back in 1983 that “these deeds make so evident the bestial nature of those who would assume power if they could have their way and drive us out of that area.”
Pompeo said Washington remains “more determined than ever to push back on those who threaten the sovereignty, stability, and prosperity of this vital region.”
