US Delivers Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the Lebanese Army
The United States delivered Bradley Fighting Vehicles and armored field artillery ammunition supply vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces, the US embassy said in a statement on Monday.
“We are here at the Port of Beirut to mark the delivery of eight M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. These are the very first of a total shipment of 32 Bradleys that will be delivered in the coming months,” US Ambassador Elizabeth Richard said at the delivery of vehicles and ammunition supply to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
“This contribution to the Lebanese Armed Forces represents an investment of over 100 million dollars. It will provide the Lebanese Armed Forces with new capabilities to protect Lebanon, to protect its borders, and to fight terrorists,” she added.
The Ambassador added that the Lebanese Army will undergo “intensive training on how to operate and maintain this new, very sophisticated combat system.”
“The United States has intensified its engagement and support to the Lebanese Army over the past few years,” highlighted Richard, adding “I would just like you to review how in the past 12 months alone; the US has provided the following defense articles to the Lebanese Army:
- 40 M198 howitzers
- 50 armored Humvees
- an Armed Cessna aircraft with hellfire missiles
- 55 mortar systems
- 50 Mark-19 automatic grenade launchers
- 1100 machine guns, including 800 50 caliber machine guns
- 4,000 M4 rifles
- Over half a million rounds of ammunition
- 320 night vision devices and thermal sights
- 360 secure communication radios
“America’s support for Lebanon is based on the shared interests of the American people and the Lebanese people. Our support is based on the principle that we share the same goals for stability and security in this country, and we share the view that the Lebanese Armed Forces need to maintain their rightful place as the sole provider of security and stability to the Lebanese people,” concluded Richard.
Source: Naharnet
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