The United Kingdom announced an expansion in aid to Lebanon on Thursday aimed at the families of Lebanese Armed Forces personnel, saying “LAF families are amongst those who are directly affected, undermining their sense of security and dignity.” The action brings total UK support since March to $40 million, with $27 million announced last week in a single humanitarian package.
“The delivery of relief items is a direct response to the humanitarian crisis which has also impacted the Lebanese Armed Forces families,” Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne said, adding, “the UK will continue to back the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as the Government of Lebanon-led humanitarian response, which are essential to security and stability.”
Aid Package
UK Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne and Deputy Defense Attaché Thomas Hobbs met senior officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at the LAF logistics hub in Beirut, discussing ways to address ongoing gaps in the humanitarian response.
The UK Ministry of Defence announced they were providing essential and practical relief items, worth over $150,000, delivered and coordinated in partnership with the LAF. Their press statement said the latest action includes “personal hygiene kits, bedding, washing machines and cleaning essentials and will meet the needs of hundreds of families affected by the conflict.”
Deputy Defence Attaché Thomas Hobbs said “Displaced families of the Lebanese Armed Forces are among those directly affected by the conflict. This support reflects the UK’s commitment to assisting those impacted by the conflict while continuing to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defenders of Lebanon.”
Since 2009, the UK has trained thousands of LAF personnel and dedicated over $150 million in funding, according to their press statement.
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