The ban on military supply to Egypt by the United States has been lifted. The military to Egypt was frozen after the military overthrew the government and took power close to two years ago.
The White House said that it was improving the military ties with their long-time ally as an interest in the United States national security. The US intends to alter the type of military aid it provided to Egypt to suit the emerging challenges that the North African country is facing.
President Barack Obama directed the release of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft, 20 Harpoon missiles and 125 M-1 Abrams tank upgrades and their shipment to Egypt. This comes after the announcement of the formation of the joint Arab force that is tasked with Egypt at the forefront.
Additionally, Obama in a phone conversation with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi he promised the resumption of the $1.3 military funding that is given to Egypt by the US annually.
The main focus of the aid accorded Egypt is to be directed on counterterrorism, border and maritime security, Sinai Peninsula security among other activities against the Islamic State.
“In this way, we will ensure that US funding is being used to promote shared objectives in the region, including a secure and stable Egypt and the defeat of terrorist organizations,” the White House said in a statement.
This embargo lift is a clear indication of how serious the United States is taking the way against the Islamic state and other terrorist outfits that it is willing to lay aside the differences it has with the current Egyptian administration for the greater good.
John Kerry, the Secretary of State is expected to tell the congress in the next fortnight that the aid to Egypt is the national security interest of the US and convince them to resume the aid.
