| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC January 12, 2007 U.S. Delivers 20 HMMWVs to the Lebanese Armed ForcesToday, the first 20 of 285 HMMWVs (Humvees) being delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) arrived in Beirut. The HMMWVs, delivered on U.S. C-17 transport aircraft, will help the LAF protect the Lebanese people and their territory and continue their historic deployment to South Lebanon alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers in implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. As additional vehicles arrive in the coming months, they will help to ensure that the Lebanese people enjoy the security and sovereignty that a strong, well-equipped LAF serves to guarantee. These HMMWVs were purchased with U.S. security assistance funds as part of an ongoing program to assist the LAF-a highly motivated, professional military loyal to the democratically-elected Government of Lebanon. In FY06, this program included $39 million for training and equipment. We plan to increase U.S. aid to the LAF in FY07. In addition to our support for the LAF, we are also providing assistance to Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), including post-blast investigation training and riot-control equipment. The Departments of State and Defense worked to expedite delivery of these 20 HMMWVs as a symbol our steadfast support for the LAF, the Lebanese government, and the citizens of Lebanon. 2007/028
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