press releases 2009

U.S. Government Continues Internal Security Forces Training

August 14, 2009

In July and early August, the U.S. Government trained twenty four members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Mobile Forces Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams in advanced crisis response.  The course, which took place in the United States, enhanced the ISF Mobile Forces skills in resolving high risk terrorist activities and hostage situations while employing the minimum amount of force to protect human life and limit collateral damage. 

This training course is part of the Anti-terrorism Assistance (ATA) program, designed to enhance the ISF’s capabilities and 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 States has committed $3 million to ATA training and trained over 140 members of the ISF.  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 is critical for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.  The U.S. Government is committed to supporting Lebanon, the ISF and the Lebanese people.