UNIPATH STAFF
Reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the Lebanese Armed Forces, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command, visited Lebanon in July 2020.
Gen. McKenzie’s visit included a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun. The general reassured Aoun of the importance of preserving the security, sovereignty and stability of Lebanon through military cooperation between the United States and Lebanon.
The U.S. CENTCOM delegation included U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea and U.S. Defense Attache Robert Meine.
The U.S. — with assistance from the United Kingdom and France — has supported the Lebanese Armed Forces with weapons, training and advice for most of the past 20 years. Thanks to the valor, professionalism and patriotism of Lebanese troops, the country has improved its combat readiness.
That progress was illustrated by successful operations by Lebanese Armed Forces against Daesh and al-Qaida that helped stabilize the country’s border with Syria. In 2017, Lebanese troops defeated more than 600 Daesh terrorists holed up in the mountains of northeast Lebanon.
Gen. McKenzie’s visit was designed to reinforce the U.S. commitment to Lebanon during these perilous times for regional security. Sources: Al Jazeera, U.S. Department of State