Senior UK defense official says Lebanon must not be dragged into regional conflict

The UK Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME), Air Marshal Martin Sampson, ended a two day visit to Lebanon 18-19 October 2023. This is part of his regional tour, including Egypt and Jordan -– to reassure and show support to the UK’s partners in the region including Lebanon, a British embassy statement said.

Air Marshal Sampson met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In his messages he reiterated the UK’s "unwavering support to the people of Lebanon and the LAF (Lebanese Army)."

In a phone call with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Aroldo Lázaro, Air Marshal Sampson conveyed the UK’s "support to UNIFIL and its important role in maintaining calm and stability."

At Hamat Air Base, Air Marshal Sampson was briefed on the many UK military training tasks in Lebanon, including the "highly successful" joint military exercise “Pegasus Cedar” which was the UK’s largest ever joint military exercise with the Lebanese Air Assault Regiment.

At the end of his visit, Air Marshal Sampson said: “An important time to visit Lebanon during the current regional instability. During my meetings I reiterated the UK’s position that Lebanon must not be dragged into a regional conflict."

"The LAF continues to be at the forefront of safeguarding Lebanon’s security and stability which remains a priority for the UK,” he added.