The U.S. authorities handed the Lebanese army three Huey II helicopters during a ceremony on Saturday, attended by Representative of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun, Major General Milad Ishak, and U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea.

Major General Ishak delivered a speech, in which he praised the relations between the Lebanese and American armies, noting that "this occasion is evidence of the continued qualitative support provided by the U.S. to the army and the strengthening of its military air capabilities, as well as the confidence of the American authorities in the national role that the army plays in protecting Lebanon from dangers, especially the terrorist threat."

For her part, the U.S. ambassador pointed out that "the helicopters provided by the United States would contribute directly to improving the operational capabilities of the army and ensuring that it performs its various tasks in the defense of Lebanon and its people."