In south Beirutʼs war-torn districts‚ a Lebanese Army convoy makes its way past crumbling buildings (destroyed by recent air-strikes); their presence more about showing the flag than real military might
The patrols highlight a bitter truth — the army cant protect against aerial attacks. “Not anti-aircraft“ explains a Lebanese soldier pointing to his US-made Humveeʼs basic weapon system: such equipment shows the real-world limits of international support
Not antiaircraft
The militaryʼs current state reflects a complex situation: foreign supporters like the US provide just-enough aid to keep operations going — but dont give tools for serious defense against external threats or internal competition. The armyʼs US-supplied vehicles move through bomb-scarred neighborhoods; a visible reminder of their limited ability to shield the nation from foreign strikes
The armyʼs predicament reflects broader issues: international backers maintain minimal support that keeps the force operational but restricts its growth into a more effective fighting force. Their american-made equipment shows both the benefits and draw-backs of depending on foreign aid