US warship docks briefly in Lebanon

Beirut: The United States navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a “one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean”, a statement from the US embassy said. US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted “an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials”, it added. During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored “the ongoing commitment of the US to be a strong partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and promote and stability in the region”, according to the statement.