US pledges new equipment for Lebanese military

The US has announced new assistance for the Lebanese military, to include helicopters and other advanced military equipment. The package was disclosed during a visit by the head of US Central Command, Gen. Joseph Votel, to Lebanon on Wednesday. Votel met in Beirut with the army chief and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, AP reports. American Ambassador Elizabeth Richard said the aid package, valued at more than $120 million, includes six new light attack helicopters, six unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as communication and night-vision devices. Washington has been a major supporter of Lebanon’s army. More than $1 billion in military assistance has been provided to Lebanon since 2006.