Lebanon Receives New Shipment of U.S. Arms
The United States delivered on Sunday a shipment of military vehicles, weapons and ammunition to Lebanon as of Washington's pledge to aid the Lebanese military in its combat against terrorists.
The state-run National News Agency reported that the shipment was handed at Beirut's port in the presence of U.S. and Lebanese officials.
The Lebanese army was handed 70 M198 howitzer, which a medium-sized, towed artillery piece, developed for service with the United States Army and Marine Corps. In addition to 26 million rounds of ammunition included small, medium and heavy artillery rounds.
In a statement, the U.S. embassy said the aid is worth $25 million.
"Support for the (Lebanese military) remains a top priority for the United States. Recent attacks against Lebanon's army only strengthen America's resolve to stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon to confront these threats," said the embassy.
It added: "The United States is providing top of the line weapons to the (Lebanese army) to help Lebanon's brave soldiers in their confrontation with the terrorists."
The last shipment of ammunition as part of the U.S. military assistance program was on January 27.
Another three arms shipments were delivered on August 29, September 6 and 26.
The arms deliveries come as several allies of Lebanon step up efforts to bolster its armed forces as the threat from jihadists in the region grows.
In 2014, Lebanon was the fifth largest recipient of U.S. foreign military aid, the embassy said.
"In 2014 alone, the United States provided over $100 million to the (Lebanese military), adding to the $1 billion in assistance provided... since 2006," said the statement.
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