U.S. presents Lebanese Army with Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft.

The United States presented Lebanon with a Cessna aircraft Wednesday, part of the Western nation’s efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Army. “We will remain committed to strengthening the capacity of the LAF so it can pursue its mission of securing Lebanon’s borders, defending the sovereignty and independence of the state, and achieving Lebanese unity and stability.

According to remarks from U.S. Ambassador David Hale, the handover builds on the previous delivery of other Cessna aircraft and Huey helicopters — all part of more than a billion dollars in U.S. assistance to Lebanon’s security institutions since 2006.

"Today’s transfer of an advanced Cessna Aircraft reflects that progress and builds upon previous Cessna and Huey helicopter transfers. These aircraft will help the LAF conduct effective border security missions and combat threats from extremist groups."