US admiral leaves Beirut after short visit

US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Kerry M Metz left Beirut on Thursday night after a short visit where he met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Qahwaji as well as with other top military officials. Rear Admiral Metz and General Qahwaji discussed the continued military cooperation between the two nations, including SOCCENT’s support of the Lebanese Special Operations Forces (LSOF), according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Lebanon. “Metz praised the participation of LSOF soldiers in Exercise Eager Lion 2013 in Jordan and commended General Kahwagi for their professionalism and skill,” the statement said. He also “underscored SOCCENT’s support for Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.” Rear Admiral Metz reaffirmed the United States’ continued support of a sovereign Lebanon. According to special sources, the admiral is heading to Kuwait.