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US doubles down on military aid to Lebanon

The Donald Trump administration is providing Lebanon’s army with more than $100 million in upgrades to tanks and attack helicopters.
Lebanese Army soldiers ride on their military vehicles in Ras Baalbek, Lebanon August 28, 2017. REUTERS/Hassan Abdallah - RC176820F100

The Donald Trump administration is providing the Lebanese army with more than $100 million in upgrades to tanks and attack helicopters in the latest US effort to stem the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The package includes training for pilots and maintenance crew on MD-530G light scout attack helicopters provided by the Pentagon last year as well as laser-guided rockets, according to Defense Department records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Security Assistance Monitor. Lebanon will receive the equipment through the Defense Department’s Section 333 program, which helps US partners build their military inventories to fight terrorism and handle border security.

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