US Officials to Visit Lebanon For Military Assistance Talks

Officials from US Central Command will meet with Lebanon's Defense Minister Samir Moqbel as well as the chief of the Lebanese armed forces, according to a local newspaper.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Senior US military officials are expected to arrive in Lebanon’s capital Beirut soon to assess the implementation of military assistance and training programs, a local news outlet reported Friday, citing high-ranking diplomatic sources.

According to Al-Joumhouria newspaper, officials from US Central Command will meet with Lebanon's Defense Minister Samir Moqbel as well as the chief of the Lebanese armed forces and a number of army officials.

Lebanon is currently facing attacks by armed extremist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) and Nusra Front.

In February, the United States delivered military aid to Lebanon worth over $25 million to help the country's army fight against Islamists operating along its border with Syria. Throughout 2014, Lebanon received more than $100 million in military aid from the United States.

In April, France likewise dispatched its first consignment of military aid to Lebanon — including weapons — to help it counter the extremist threat. French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that 60 French military instructors would provide training to Lebanese service personnel.