Lebanon Faces Military Collapse Amid Worst Economic Crisis

Lebanese Military "Appeals for International Support"
France Provides Food and Aid to Troops
China Supplies 100 Military Vehicles

Photo by Reuters

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Lebanon, pushed to the brink by political and economic turmoil, has warned that even its military is at risk of collapse and has called on the international community for support.

On the 17th (local time), according to AP News and others, Joseph Aoun, Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army, posted on the military's Twitter, "If the economic situation continues to deteriorate, all state institutions in Lebanon, including the military, will collapse," adding, "With the will of the soldiers, the support of the people, and assistance from allied countries, we can overcome this difficult and sensitive period," appealing for international help.

He emphasized that the military is the only remaining institution guaranteeing Lebanon's security and stability, expressing concern that the collapse of the army would lead to the spread of chaos.

Lebanon, experiencing its worst economic crisis, is putting unprecedented pressure on the operational capabilities of its military, which receives support from the U.S. military. Morale among soldiers, who face hardship due to unpaid salaries, has plummeted. Soldiers struggling with economic difficulties amid ongoing political strife have expressed anger and there are signs of desertion from the barracks.

Lebanon's economy, which began to collapse starting with the anti-government protests in 2019, continues to worsen. Since the massive Beirut explosion in August last year and the subsequent resignation of the cabinet, the formation of a new government has been delayed, leaving the country without a cabinet for nearly a year. With the absence of a cabinet and numerous socio-economic challenges, major Western countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have stated that financial support cannot be provided until political and economic reforms are implemented.

Lebanon, having already declared a moratorium (debt repayment suspension) once last year, is now considered a potential epicenter of a financial crisis originating in the Middle East.

Lebanon's national debt exceeds 170% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and negotiations for bailout assistance with the IMF remain stalled. The Lebanese pound has depreciated by about 90% over the past two years, and inflation has soared to between 70% and 80%.

The collapse of the pound's value combined with the spread of COVID-19 has plunged the lives of more than half of Lebanon's approximately six million population, who live in poverty, into deeper despair.

Lebanon relies on financial support from the international community led by France, its former colonial ruler. Advanced countries, including France, held a meeting the day before and pledged aid to the Lebanese army. China also donated 100 military vehicles to the army as part of its military support.