CDA Jones Observes Latest U.S. Military Assistance Delivery

June 7, 2016
Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Ambassador Richard H. Jones visited Beirut Air Base this morning to witness the latest of the continuing deliveries of U.S. military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).  Today, the United States provided sophisticated mapping equipment valued at more than $3.6 million that will improve the LAF's ability to plot Lebanon's terrain.  The detailed maps  produced by this equipment will enhance the LAF's operational planning capacity and ability to protect Lebanese troops as they continue to take decisive action against extremist elements along Lebanon's border.  
Today's delivery demonstrates America's sustained commitment to ensure the Lebanese Armed Forces has the support it needs to be the sole defender of Lebanese territory.   Major U.S. military assistance deliveries over the past year have included Huey II helicopters, Hellfire missiles, border surveillance equipment, and ammunition.  More deliveries to the LAF are coming soon, to include artillery systems, armored vehicles, tactical radios, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of additional ammunition.  The U.S. has provided Lebanon over $1.4 billion in security assistance since 2005