UNIPATH STAFF
To mitigate financial hardship experienced by Lebanese security forces, the United States and United Nations implemented a temporary support program in April 2023 to help sustain the country’s military institutions.
Valued at $72 million, the financial support is intended for members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF).
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued a statement explaining the need for the money: “This program will help alleviate some of the economic hardship faced by ISF personnel who are exerting tremendous efforts to serve their country, its people and the residents on its lands, ultimately contributing to the overall security and stability of the country.”
Lebanon’s economic downturn — exacerbated by COVID-19, the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion and the Russian invasion of Ukraine — has stressed the country’s military and security institutions.
LAF commander Gen. Joseph Aoun praised multinational security partnerships, including the presence of United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south of the country.
“The fact that the international community is keen on preserving the military institutions proves that it will not allow Lebanon’s collapse on the security front,” Gen. Aoun said.
In addition to its mission of maintaining Lebanon’s border against incursions from terrorists and criminals, the Lebanese military preserves unity in the ethnically, religiously and ideologically diverse country.
As a result, the international community views the LAF as a reliable partner to help uphold regional security.
Sources: thenationalnews.com, USAID, United Nations Development Programme