More than 70,000 service members will begin receiving $100 a month from the US and UN.

The United States Embassy in Beirut and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced on Friday that they will begin distributing funds from the “Livelihood Support Program” (Livelihood Support Program) to the Lebanese Army, the Office of the President announced on its website. . The $55.5 million program would provide temporary financial assistance to more than 70,000 troop members, with “eligible” service members receiving $100 per month for a six-month period.

“This program will help alleviate the economic hardship of military personnel who work hard to serve their country, thereby contributing to the security and stability of the entire region,” the US diplomatic mission said. Under the US Funding Program, UNDP partners with a national financial service provider to provide these funds to eligible military veterans. These conditions were not mentioned in the press release.

“The cash tranches are a concrete demonstration of the United States’ continued commitment to support a vital institution that transcends sectarian borders and is vital to Lebanon’s security and stability,” the embassy said.

A similar program, valued at $16.5 million, began providing ISF personnel assistance to members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) last April.

Law enforcement has been severely affected by the severe socio-economic crisis in Lebanon since 2019. The average monthly salary of a Lebanese soldier is now $50, compared to $800 before the crisis, and an officer’s salary is $100.

Other financial aid, such as helicopters and food supplies, has come from other foreign sources in recent years to deal with the crisis. Qatar also provides $100 a month in financial aid to the military.