Lebanon trying to reassure US it has control of weapons after Congress holds military aid

Lebanon tries to assure US after military aid halt

BEIRUT — A senior government official says Lebanon is contacting the U.S. government to provide assurances that American weapons supplied to the Lebanese army are not falling into the “wrong hands.”

The chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said Monday he placed a hold on $100 million in assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces over concerns that the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah may have influence over the army.

A Lebanese official said Tuesday his government is contacting those in Washington “who need to be made more aware.” He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.