Beirut: The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME), Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, concluded a two-day visit to Lebanon from 14-15 October. He met with Lebanese leaders, UNIFIL Commander and visited a newly constructed Protected Border Observation Post (PBOP) on Lebanon's eastern border with Syria.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the visit underscores the UK's ongoing commitment to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in enhancing its ability to secure Lebanon's borders and respond swiftly to threats, including smuggling and illegal cross-border activity. The new Protected Border Observation Post is part of a broader UK Integrated Security Fund programme to strengthen Lebanon's border infrastructure and reinforce the LAF's operational capability including in border areas.
Vice Admiral Ahlgren held meetings with President Aoun, Speaker Berri, Defence Minister Manasa, Head of the Lebanese Army General Haykal and UNIFIL Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara. He was accompanied by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Defence Attach© Lt. Colonel Charles Smith.
At the end of the visit, British Ambassador Hamish Cowell commented on the UK's support for the Lebanese Army in its mission to protect Lebanon's borders and strengthen national security, including deployment in south Lebanon. He highlighted the new Protected Border Observation Post on the eastern border as a tangible example of the long-standing partnership and shared commitment to stability in Lebanon.
Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren expressed the privilege of visiting Lebanon and meeting with senior Lebanese leaders. He emphasized that the Protected Border Observation Posts are a testament to the cooperation between the UK and Lebanon, and conveyed his satisfaction in witnessing the progress firsthand.
The UK's support to Lebanon extends back to 2010, with the construction of more than 82 border observation posts and forward operating bases. This effort is part of a broader initiative to bolster Lebanese border security, supporting the expanded deployment of the LAF, reinforcing their role as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state, and strengthening their resilience across the country.