Aoun: Washington's support for the Lebanese army is a guarantee for stability and an enhancement of sovereignty

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of the United States continuing to support the Lebanese army and equipping it with the necessary tools and mechanisms to carry out its national duties.

Aoun said during his meeting at Baabda Palace with the commander of the U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, and the head of the mechanism committee, General Michael Lenny, in the presence of the U.S. ambassador in Beirut, Lisa Johnson: "The army has begun to receive Palestinian weapons from some camps under the agreement made during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Lebanon."

He added: "The continuation of American support enhances the army's capabilities to maintain security, control the borders with Syria, and prevent smuggling and terrorist activities, which directly contributes to strengthening internal stability."

The Lebanese president clarified that the country has witnessed positive progress in various aspects over the past months, which has reflected an economic development that accompanies government reforms, pointing to the necessity of continuing efforts to rebuild Lebanon.

Aoun called on the United States to exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories in the south, affirming that the continuation of Israeli assaults hinders the completion of the Lebanese army's deployment to the international borders, despite the army having established its presence in more than 85% of the area south of the Litani River.

He noted that the army continues its missions to prevent armed manifestations and confiscate weapons and ammunition in complex geographical and operational conditions, which has so far resulted in the martyrdom of 12 officers and soldiers during ammunition transport operations or mine dismantling.