Latest update : 2015-01-03
Soldiers from the Lebanese Army and the French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Southern Lebanon have been training together in week-long commando exercises. FRANCE 24 reports.
The exercises are taking place at a time when the Lebanese army is under more pressure than ever, not least from the ongoing threat of a spill over from the conflict in neighbouring war-torn Syria.
Although the exercises are strictly about cooperation and joint capability building between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, one Lebanese Army trainer told FRANCE 24 he recognised their broader value.
“The French army has the equipment and excellent training, and the Lebanese Army are profiting from this. We can translate these skills to strengthen our own units, and defend against attacks from any side, whether conventional or terrorists,” said Corporal Rabih.
And the threats are very real, in August jihadists from the Islamic State (IS) group and Al Nusra Front took their battle to Lebanese territory, overrunning the north eastern town of Arsel for five days before being beaten back by the Lebanese Army.
France is playing a prominent role in strengthening Lebanon’s defences through a tripartite agreement, finalised in December, that will see Saudi Arabia funding three billion dollars of French Military equipment for delivery to the Lebanese Army.
Date created : 2015-01-03