BEIRUT: The United States has given 200 armored vehicles to Lebanon, part of the U.S. military assistance program, the Lebanese Army said Monday.

The M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs) arrived in Beirut port late Sunday, the army said.

A Lebanese security source said the army now had 1,200 APCs.

“The shipment of vehicles will support the Lebanese armed forces’ capabilities and their mobility and ability to respond to crises. It is also to protect borders and internal stability,” said a U.S. diplomat source.

The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the vehicles were used but were all in “very good working order and will be refurbished in Lebanon.”

More than $140 million in equipment and assistance were provided to Lebanon’s army by the U.S. in the past six months.

The equipment included six Huey 2 Helicopters, a 42-metre coastal security craft, more than 1000 guns and 38 million rounds of ammunition. – With Reuters.