Lebanese army receive 6 American helicopters

US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Commander Lieutenant General David L. Goldfein completed his visit to Lebanon today and, along with US Ambassador Maura Connelly, participated in a handover ceremony for six Huey II helicopters received by the Lebanese Armed Forces, a press release by the US embassy in Beirut said. The press release added: “The six helicopters and spare parts for the new Huey IIs and the Lebanese Armed Forces’ existing Huey I fleet are part of a $58 million military assistance package, the largest single assistance package in the history of US-Lebanese bilateral military relations.  It is also the first delivery of rotary wing aircraft to Lebanon in 15 years. The delivery of Huey II helicopters reflects the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries as well as US support for Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.  It further underscores the United States’ efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognising its importance, as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defence force, in securing Lebanon’s borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.”