Lebanon gets US warplane to toughen defence

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) received Monday a "Cessna" type airplane equipped with "Hellfire" air to ground missiles from the United States.

The National News Agency (NNA) reported that a ceremony was held at the Beirut air base at Rafik Hariri International Airport, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, Brig. Gen. Jean Farah and Gen. Jean Qahwaji, as well as high ranking officials.

"The United States has handed over the aircraft as part of an integrated package of support in maintenance and training, with a total of about 30 million U.S. dollars," Richard said.

She pointed out that "missiles were also offered along with the plane to help the Lebanese Army carry out its tasks along the border against the threats of extremist groups."

"The United States' assistance to the Lebanese Army represents a vital aspect of cooperation between the two countries," Richard said, stressing her country's clinging to strengthening the Lebanese Army's capabilities in protecting Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty of the State.

source: Xinhua