The US has frozen weapon shipments to Lebanon’s armed forces following the collapse of the country’s pro-Western government.

As part of a broader review of security assistance to Lebanon, the US government has decided that any future decisions regarding security assistance, including renewal of lethal arms deliveries, will be taken only after assessing the composition and conduct of the next Lebanese government.

The military will, however, continue to provide training and non-lethal assistance to the Lebanese military.

The Lebanese armed forces have been provided with more than $720m in US military assistance since 2006, including equipment and advanced training.