SUVs to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces

U.S. Delivers Civil Disorder Management Equipment and SUVs to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces

On February 7, in Beirut, the United States Embassy turned over 60 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) equipped with sirens and police lights to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF). These SUVs are in addition to 2,000 sets of civil disorder management equipment that has been delivered to the ISF over the past month.

Together this assistance will help the ISF to expand policing operations in Beirut and throughout the country, while also serving to protect the Lebanese people and their democratically elected government from security threats posed by civil disturbances. The United States is steadfastly committed to helping the Government of Lebanon to protect the Lebanese people and their territory as we continue to work together toward the rapid and full implementation of UNSCR 1701.

This assistance will help support a Lebanese Internal Security Force capable of protecting Lebanon's territory, sovereignty and dignity.

With the delivery of additional civil disorder management equipment in the coming weeks, the U.S. will continue supporting the ISF and the Government of Lebanon in their efforts to accomplish these goals.

The SUVs were purchased with U.S. security assistance funds; the civil disorder management equipment was purchased with U.S. stabilization and reconstruction funds made available through a Defense Department transfer authority. Both of these efforts are part of an ongoing program to assist the ISF in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Lebanese citizenry, while helping to support the democratically-elected Government of Lebanon.

2007/089, Released on February 8, 2007, Media Note, Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC, February 8, 2007

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