ISG Urges 'Continued Int'l Support to Further Strengthen LAF Capabilities'

The members of the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon said in a statement Tuesday that they “commend the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in their efforts to combat terrorism and to shield Lebanon’s territorial integrity and security.”

Referring to the army's ongoing offensive on the eastern border against the Islamic State group, the ISG members extended “sincere condolences for those servicemen who have lost their lives,” wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

“The members of the ISG reiterate their strong and unanimous support to the LAF as the defender of Lebanon,” they said in the statement.

They also called for “continued international support to further strengthen the LAF’s capabilities.”

The ISG comprises the U.N. and the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK and the U.S., together with the EU and the Arab League.

It was launched in September 2013 by the U.N. Secretary-General with ex-President Michel Suleiman to help “mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability” and to “encourage assistance for the Lebanese Army and Syrian refugees in Lebanon and host communities” as well as “government programs and public services impacted by the Syrian crisis.”