A statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said that U.S. Ambassador David Hale presided over the delivery of $25 million in assistance to the Lebanese Army.
The weapons delivery comes as the poorly equipped Lebanese Army battles jihadis along its border with war-torn Syria.
“Recent attacks against Lebanon’s Army only strengthen America’s resolve to stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon to confront these threats,” the statement read.
The shipment included over 70 M198 Howitzers as well as 26 million rounds of ammunition including small, medium and heavy artillery rounds.
Last month, the U.S. delivered dozens of brand new armored Humvees to help protect Lebanese soldiers.
The U.S. is working closely with the Army to ensure that the equipment being delivered is exactly what the military needs, the statement added.
Hale and other U.S. Embassy officials attended Sunday's weapon delivery alongside Brig. Gen. Manuel Kerejian.
“We are fighting the same enemy, so our support for you has been swift and continuous,” Hale said from Beirut's port.
While the U.S. has donated more than a billion dollars in aid to the Lebanese Army over the last decade, most previous donations have been non-lethal equipment, including armored personnel carriers, light aircraft and communication systems.
Source: Daily Star; AFP
