The UK Embassy in Lebanon issued the following press release on 19 January 2021:

“Today, a ship sets sail from the south coast of the UK bound for Lebanon with 100 armoured patrol vehicles (Land Rover RWMIK) donated by the British Government to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

These vehicles, worth £1.5 million, will further reinforce the stability on the Lebanese border with Syria and help the LAF to counter efforts by terrorists and smugglers to cross into the country.

With UK support in recent years, we have seen the deployment of four Land Border Regiments (LBRs), the construction of over 75 border towers, provision of 350 Land Rovers, and training of over 11,000 LAF personnel to effectively counter extremists and smugglers seeking to infiltrate Lebanon from Syria.

Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Martin Longden said: “I am delighted that the UK has been able to help with this donation.  These vehicles will make a real difference to the work of the Land Border Regiments, whose efforts make life safer for all communities in Lebanon.  It’s a great practical example of the friendship and collaboration between the armed forces of our two countries, and the UK’s genuine commitment to a strong and stable Lebanon.”