The United States has reiterated its support to the Lebanese army, expressing hope that the country’s people believe in the institution as well.
Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and US military representatives attended on Wednesday a live-fire exercise conducted by the Lebanese army at the Akoura military complex in Jbeil, a US embassy statement said.
In remarks to the press, Richard congratulated the army for demonstrating outstanding professionalism and sophistication in safely executing complex maneuvers using advanced-technology weaponry and equipment, calling the live-fire exercise an “extremely challenging operation with lots of moving parts,” and noting that “the communication among all of the elements was extraordinary.”
“We are firm believers in this army and I hope every Lebanese believes in this army, as well,” the diplomat stated.
According to the statement, the live-fire exercise employed a variety of military equipment, including Bradley vehicles, A-29 aircraft, Huey helicopters, and Humvees, to perform a broad range of air and ground maneuvers, including surveillance, attack, and search-and-rescue operations.
The military equipment provided through US military assistance is maintained and operated by Lebanese soldiers and airmen, demonstrating the Lebanese army’s capacity to generate trained and ready forces for operations, the core goal of the US-Lebanon Protected Mobility Program, it said.
In comments to the press, Richard highlighted last week’s delivery of Humvees and security equipment, valued at over $60 million.
Since 2006, the US government has provided Lebanon over $1.7 billion in security assistance, the embassy statement said.
