press releases 2007

U.S. Delivers First of 285 Humvees to Lebanese Armed Forces; A Component of $39 Million in Military Assistance to Lebanon in 2006

January 19, 2007

The United States delivered 20 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV)– more commonly known as humvees – to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at Beirut International Airport, January 12, 2007. The HMMWVs, transported by U.S. C-17 aircrafts, will help the LAF protect the Lebanese people and their territory and continue their historic deployment to South Lebanon alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers. The arrival of additional vehicles in the coming months will help ensure that the Lebanese people benefit from the security and sovereignty that a strong, well-equipped LAF serves to guarantee.

The 20 HMMWVs are the first delivery of 285 vehicles en route to the LAF. Additional deliveries will include 24 5-ton tow trucks and spare-parts for each vehicle for two years. Eight LAF soldiers will travel to the U.S. for 13 weeks of training on humvee maintenance; on their return, they will share their knowledge with their comrades. In total, the United States has provided Lebanon with more than $39 million in military equipment and training in 2006 – a 40-fold increase from 2005. The U.S. plans to increase its assistance to the LAF in 2007.

U.S. security assistance funds paid for the HMMWVs as part of an ongoing program to assist the LAF, a highly motivated, professional military loyal to the democratically-elected Government of Lebanon. In FY06, this program included $39 million for training and equipment. In addition to support for the LAF, the United States is also providing assistance to Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), including post-blast investigation training and riot-control equipment.

The U.S. Departments of State and Defense worked to expedite delivery of the 20 HMMWVs as a symbol the steadfast support of the United States for the LAF, the Lebanese government, and the citizens of Lebanon.