The U.S. has approved nearly $250 million in military aid to support Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Before the fiscal year ended, $192 million was allocated to the LAF and $54 million to the ISF. The aid aims to strengthen state forces against terrorism and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanese President Michel Aoun recently met U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, urging increased support for the LAF to expand state authority nationwide.