Report: Lebanese Authorities Reject Obtaining Russian TOS-1 Systems
The Lebanese state reportedly rejected a Russian offer to deliver to the Lebanese Army TOS-1 heavy flamethrower systems.
According to al-Akhbar newspaper published on Wednesday, Russian authorities expressed readiness, through direct and indirect channels, to deliver the multiple rocket launcher to Lebanon from a $1 billion Saudi donation.
The grant was announced by al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri in August.
However, the Lebanese authorities rejected the offer arguing that the range of the rockets doesn't exceed six kilometers and the system opposes human rights due to its highly destructive capabilities.
Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, who is affiliated to Mustaqbal Movement, announced from Moscow on September 20 that the “Lebanese army will soon purchase new arms from Russia.”
The TOS-1 is a 220mm 30-barrel multiple rocket launcher mounted on a T-72 tanks chassis.
Several countries, including the United States and France had pledged to deliver arms and military equipment to the Lebanese army to bolster its capabilities as the threat from jihadists in the region grows.
The Islamic State, which controls several areas in Syria and Iraq, aims to spread to Lebanon as its fighters position in the outskirts of Bekaa towns bordering Syria and the Lebanese army is in adamant efforts to stop their efforts to infiltrate the country.
Photo Source: www.military-today.com
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