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Lebanese Army Receives First Batch of Military Aid From France

© REUTERS / Mohamed AzakirLebanese army soldiers pack weapons that they received during a ceremony at Beirut airport airbase April 20, 2015
Lebanese army soldiers pack weapons that they received during a ceremony at Beirut airport airbase April 20, 2015 - Sputnik International
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First weapons and other military aid from France arrived in Lebanon on Monday.

Lebanese army reinforcements - Sputnik International
France Sends Arms to Lebanon for ISIL Fight
BEIRUT (Sputnik) The first delivery of weapons and other military aid from France arrived in Lebanon on Monday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

The French defense minister, his Lebanese counterpart and the Saudi ambassador were all present during the transfer of aid to Lebanese authorities.

"The visit of the French defense minister is indicative of the special relations between our countries… The first batch of weapons is delivered during the visit," Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said.

In August 2014, Saudi Arabia allocated $3 billion to purchase weapons from France to help the Lebanese armed forces, with Paris undertaking to supply weapons for three years.

According to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, 60 French military instructors will also provide training to Lebanese servicemen.

Lebanon is currently facing attacks by armed extremist groups, including Islamic State (ISIL) and al-Nusra Front.

In August 2014, violent clashes between Lebanese forces and militants erupted in the northeastern city of Arsal, with extremists capturing some 30 Lebanese servicemen.

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