Special to WorldTribune.com from

NICOSIA — The United States has delivered another shipment for Lebanon’s security forces.

The United States oversaw the delivery of 38 vehicles for Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces.

The vehicles, valued at $1.6 million, were meant to bolster counter-insurgency operations against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

“The Internal Security Forces is a key pillar of public security in Lebanon,” U.S. ambassador David Hale said.

In a ceremony on Sept. 19, ISF received five Dodge Ram Pickup trucks, 23 Ford prisoner vans and 10 Ford Explorers. Officials said this would mark one of a series of deliveries for ISF, deemed the sole Lebanese military or security force not under the influence of the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.

“The United States plans to provide the ISF with over $20 million worth of equipment, specialized training, and infrastructure support over the next 12 months,” the U.S. embassy said.

ISF has been a key beneficiary of U.S. military and security aid to Lebanon. Officials said ISF received more than $140 million in U.S. equipment and training since 2008. The military has received more than $900 million since 2006.

Officials said the U.S. vehicles would enable ISF to transport prisoners to court. They said other vehicles would bolster capabilities of the Judicial Police.

In his address, Hale urged greater cooperation by Lebanon’s military and security forces. The ambassador cited ISIL’s abduction of scores of military and ISF officers.

“Cooperation and unity among Lebanon’s security services will make certain that these forces do not succeed,” Hale said.

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