U.S. Delivers Hellfire Missiles, Precision Munitions to Lebanese Army
The United States delivered Friday a new shipment of Hellfire missiles and artillery munitions to the Lebanese army, the U.S. embassy said in a statement.
“Ambassador David Hale visited Beirut Airbase this morning to inspect America’s latest delivery of 'Hellfire' missiles and artillery munitions to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),” it said.
The shipment included 50 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and 560 artillery rounds, including some precision munitions.
“This represents $8.6 million worth of U.S. security assistance to Lebanon and boosts the LAF’s ability to secure Lebanon’s borders against violent extremists,” the embassy said.
The Hellfire air-to-ground missiles are used on Cessna Caravan aircraft previously delivered to the army by the U.S.
The missiles “allow the LAF to strike confirmed insurgent positions without exposing themselves to return fire,” the embassy explained.
“The other artillery rounds include laser guided projectiles – the first munition of its kind in the LAF’s arsenal – which will provide the LAF with a precision-strike capability at significant stand-off ranges,” it said.
The embassy noted that “today’s munitions delivery demonstrates America’s sustained commitment to ensure that the Lebanese Armed Forces has the support it needs to be the sole defender of Lebanese territory and its borders, and is answerable to the state and to the Lebanese people through the state.”
In August 2014, the army fought deadly battles with Syria-based extremists from the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front groups in the northeastern border town of Arsal.
Several countries boosted their military aid to Lebanon in the wake of the clashes.
Y.R.
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