The U.S. recently sent $25 million worth of weapons and ammunition to Beirut, Lebanon, reported The Associated Press. The supplies are intended to assist Lebanon's armed forces as they continue their fight against Islamic extremists.
According to the source, the delivery included over 70 M198 howitzers, various types of artillery and over 26 rounds of ammunition. The shipment helped make Lebanon the fifth-largest recipient of military assistance from the U.S. Over the past eight years, the nation has received over $ billion worth of American weapons, with $100 million of supplies donated last year alone. Lebanon is also receiving help from France and Saudi Arabia, explained the source. Shipments from these countries are expected to arrive in early April.
Islamic extremist groups have been targeting Lebanese troops over the past few months, largely due to the country's proximity to Syria. The jihadist organizations have been launching attacks over the Syrian border, even capturing Lebanese soldiers. The Associated Press noted that Lebanon's army is indicative of the country's diversity and includes soldiers that identify as Christian, Druze, Sunni and Shiite. While the force is often praised as a unifying force, it has been struggling to maintain domestic peace in the face of political unrest.
In a statement issued by the Embassy of the United States, Ambassador David Hale explained that providing support to Lebanese troops is a crucial component in the ongoing international war against terror.
"We are fighting the same enemy, so our support for you has been swift and continuous. I am confident that, with the right equipment, Lebanon's soldiers can defend Lebanon successfully. And the equipment we are providing is exactly what the army leadership has asked for, and exactly what the army needs," he said.