Menassa downplays US role at Hamat air base

Defense Minister Michel Menassa on Wednesday clarified that the Hamat Air base in north Lebanon is “a Lebanese air base belonging to the Lebanese Army Air Force” and that “no other entity within it has any authority or power above Lebanese laws.”

"Recently, news, reports, and writings have increased regarding the military airbase in the Hamat area of the Batroun district in North Lebanon. Some of these are questions and inquiries, some are speculations and scenarios, and some are linked to developments and movements in the region and neighboring countries,” Menassa said.

Accordingly, he clarified that “all activities and missions at the base are conducted under the supervision, approval and monitoring of the Lebanese Army Command.”

“This base, like other military sites and barracks, hosts foreign training teams operating under the regulations and instructions of the military establishment, for the benefit of various military units within the Lebanese Army,” Menassa explained.

He said the Hamat airbase, along with the Beirut airbase within the perimeter of Rafik Hariri International Airport and the Rayak airbase in the Bekaa Valley, constitutes a point of entry and receipt for aid to the Lebanese Army.

“This aid includes military equipment, supplies, weapons and ammunition delivered via flights from foreign countries,” the minister said.

Tensions has recently erupted after U.S. forces stationed at Hamat closed surrounding roads following suspicion that a drone had fallen in the vicinity, media reports said. The closure reportedly prevented residents from reaching their homes.

Media reports have also said that Iran might target the base in the event of a future war with the United States in light of its use by U.S. forces.