The United States has extended, exceptionally for a single month, its assistance to support the salaries of members of the Lebanese Army, informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The salaries of soldiers have dwindled in recent years after Lebanon’s economy began tanking in late 2019 and the collapse of the local currency. On average, a soldier used to earn around $800 a month before the crisis, but after the crash, salaries are now worth around $100.
To support the Army, the United States started in June cash distributions of $72 million for a period of six months, including a monthly payment of $100 for each military personnel. The last $100 payment was made in November.
However, the US administration recently took an “exceptional” decision to extend its assistance for only one month. A military source told Asharq Al-Awsat that soldiers have been receiving an additional $100 thanks to the latest move.
They revealed that starting February, Qatar will be paying the $100 for a two-month period.
A member of the army, 33, told Asharq Al-Awsat that he was paid $90 at the end of December.
The adjunct said he and his colleagues have yet to receive the US grant of $100. They also haven’t received the government’s “temporary assistance” of $79 due to a lack of funds.
“We also haven't been receiving food coupons that helped us buy rice, milk, flour and others,” he said, describing the situation as very difficult.
He revealed that he had to take up another job to make ends meet.
Commenting on the food program, an informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat that it stopped because of the rise in prices of goods and due to the inability to buy materials at subsidized prices.
He added that the food aid was initially planned to last only one year.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Army officers are no better off than their adjutants.
A captain, who wished to remain anonymous, said that at the end of December, he received a monthly salary of around $200.
Married with three children, he said he now mainly relies on his wife’s salary. She works for a private company for $700 a month.
Members of the army have resorted to working a second job, for which they would have been penalized by the military, but it has been turning a blind eye to the situation due to the severe crisis.
