US Committed to Supporting Lebanese Army

The Obama administration is still committed to supporting Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and strengthening its partnership with the Lebanese Government despite recent setbacks to the relationship between the two countries.

US Air Force Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Lieutenant General Mike Hostage said Washington would remain committed to working with Congress to continue its support for LAF.

The $100m military aid to LAF was put on hold following clashes between the LAF and Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

The US will also refurbish and arm Lebanon’s UH-1 helicopter fleet, according to a news release by the US Embassy in Lebanon.

LAF has received over $720m in aid from the US since 2006 for equipment and training, according to the Xinhua News Agency.