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Thursday, May 24, 2007

Lebanon seeks emergency U.S. military aid to counter Al Qaida operation in North

WASHINGTON — Lebanon has submitted an emergency request for U.S. military aid.

Officials said Lebanon has asked for $280 million in U.S. military assistance to battle an Al Qaida revolt in the north. They said the Lebanese request was urgent and needed to replenish weapons and munitions for the army and security forces.

"Right now, we are considering a request for additional assistance coming from the Lebanese government," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

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Officials said the State Department has urged Arab allies to help Lebanon battle the Al Qaida-sponsored Fatah Al Islam. Fatah Al Islam, said to be supported by Syria, has a core of 1,800 fighters around Tripoli and northern Lebanon. They said the insurgents have employed anti-aircraft guns, mortars, and night vision goggles.

"The Lebanese armed forces are engaged in a tough fight against a brutal group of violent extremists who have embedded themselves in this Palestinian refugee camp," McCormack said.

McCormack said $220 million could be allocated to the Lebanese Army and another $60 million to Internal Security Force. He said the United States was examining the Lebanese request.

"We currently have a $280 million request in to the Congress as part of this supplemental," McCormack said.

In 2006, Lebanon received $40 million in U.S. military aid. The assistance was allocated for the purchase of combat vehicles, upgrades and repairs, munitions and training.

"And the breakdown of money in 2006 is roughly $30 million in Foreign Military Financing and the Lebanese government has used this money on things like small arms ammunition, Humvees, five-ton trucks, vehicle repair parts, small arm repair parts, individual soldier equipment, things like protective vests and helmets and boots, as well as training," McCormack said. "Then there's some other funding, about $10 million that they've used for repair on equipment, helicopters, land vehicles."

In Beirut, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman met ISF commander Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi. Later, Feltman said the United States would offer $60 million in aid to ISF.

On May 22, Arab League secretary-general Amr Mussa said unidentified Arab countries have sent weapons to the Lebanese Army. Mussa did not elaborate.

"But more weapons will be sent, should the need arise," Mussa said.

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