US Assistant Secretary of State David Johnson visits Beirut to meet with ISF Command

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs David Johnson arrived in Beirut to observe the U.S.-funded capacity building program for the Internal Security Forces (ISF). While in Beirut. Ambassador Johnson and the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michele Sison, met with the command staff of the ISF, led by Director General Achraf Rifi. On January 11, Ambassadors Sison and Johnson attended and spoke at a graduation of 286 ISF cadets who completed basic policing course funded by the U.S. and instructed by U.S. and Lebanese policing experts. In addition, 21 ISF lieutenants graduated from a three-month course of study in community policing that took place both in Lebanon and in the US.

To date, the U.S. has provided training for over 3,500 ISF officers, cadets, supervisors and instructors. In addition, the U.S. has delivered more than 380 vehicles and refurbished the ISF training facilities in Beirut. This assistance is part of a Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs initiative to assist legitimate, professional law enforcement institutions in Lebanon and is a symbol of our unwavering support for the ISF, the Lebanese government, the citizens of Lebanon and the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. This assistance will help to support the full sovereignty of a Lebanese Government representing all of its people, and a Lebanese Internal Security Force capable of protecting Lebanon’s citizens and the rule of law.

Embassy Of The United States. Beirut. Lebanon - Press Release