The UK has donated 100 armoured patrol vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enhance its surveillance capabilities across the Syrian border.
The delivery included Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (RWMIK) Land Rovers, which can operate on the rugged Syrian border terrain and can be equipped with heavy weapons.
British Armed Forces have previously used the RWMIKs for a variety of operations, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.
LAF’s Land Border Regiments (LBRs) will use the vehicles to patrol Lebanon’s border with Syria to prevent extremists and smugglers from entering the country.
UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said: “The donation of these vehicles demonstrates the UK’s commitment to security and stability in the region. A stable border between Lebanon and Syria is firmly in the UK’s national interest.
“We share a common enemy in Daesh. The UK will continue to work closely with our partners in the region to stamp out the threat posed by terrorist groups.”
In addition to delivering the vehicles, the UK deployed a small specialist team from 16 Air Assault Brigade for providing an initial round of vehicle training.
Minister for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly said: “On my recent trip to Lebanon, I saw for myself the excellent work the UK and Lebanese Army is doing together, to keep Lebanon stable and secure at a time of turmoil in the country.
“These patrol vehicles, donated by the UK, will help strengthen the border with Syria against weapons smugglers and terrorist groups, and ultimately protect both of our countries’ national security.”
