press releases 2009

U.S. Government Trains International Security Forces and Lebanese Armed Forces Members

August 7, 2009

In July and early August, the U.S. Government trained twelve members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and twelve members of the Lebanese Armed forces in the United States.  The course provided the participants with investigative skills training following explosions.  Reconstructing the component parts of an explosive device and the role of each team member were emphasized.

This training course is part of the Anti-terrorism Assistance (ATA) program, designed to enhance the capabilities of the ISF and LAF, and their capacity to detect, deter, counter, and investigate terrorist activities, and is part of the U.S. Government’s overall assistance to Lebanon.

Since 2007, the United St has committed $3 million to ATA training.  This amount is part of the over $1.3 billion the U.S. Government has committed to Lebanon since 2006.  The professional development of the ISF and LAF is critical for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.  The U.S. Government is committed to supporting Lebanon, the ISF, the LAF and the Lebanese people.