US Brigadier General Says Lebanese Armed Forces Remain Top-Notch Security Partner

Arab World

June 3rd, 6:53am

Asharq Al-Awsat

FILE: Lebanese army soldiers take part in a military parade to celebrate the 74th anniversary of Lebanon's independence in downtown Beirut, Lebanon November 22, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy with US Central Command said that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) exhibited top-notch performance during exercise Resolute Union 21, which was concluded on May 28 in Lebanon. "The word is that the LAF was an outstanding professional participant that was most engaged in the largest and most complex exercise in ... history to take place in Lebanon there," Air Force Brig. Gen. Duke Pirak said during an online discussion with the Middle East Institute. "The fact that this type of exercise is going on and we're able to exercise this partnership, despite the conditions, is proof positive of the LAF being a responsible actor in a relationship that we'd like to continue to mature," he added. From the perspective of US Central Command, Pirak said, the US relationship can only continue to grow and should be maintained and strengthened. "Security cooperation activities focus on supporting the continued development of the LAF and the capable, competent, reliable security force — mostly based on the principles of supporting territorial integrity and sovereignty — that which is basic to supporting the nation state," he noted. "We believe the LAF is a security partner of choice and we continue to invest in the strategic partnership."

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3006836/us-brigadier-general-says-lebanese-armed-forces-remain-top-notch-security