Blake Hall
When the military took power in Cairo almost two years ago, the United States shut off the valve that supplied military aid and equipment to Egypt.
That proverbial valve was turned back on, according to President Obama, after speaking at length with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over the phone about the “turmoil that’s gripping the region”.
Reuters reports that the White House is freeing up equipment and making other changes to military ties with Washington’s long-time ally to support U.S. interests “while encouraging Egypt’s political reforms”.
The President okayed the release of 12 Lockheed Martin F-16 jets, 20 Boeing Harpoon missiles, and up to 125 General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams tank kits, according to National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan.
Not only is Egypt currently embattled with ISIS militants — as is much of the Middle East — they’re also engaged in a conflict with neighboring Libya.
Washington announced the aid would center on counter terrorism, border security, maritime and Sinai security, where ISIS fighters have been mobile.
The White House told Sisi that they will still ask Congress for the $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt per year, but will prohibit the country from buying directly on credit beginning in fiscal year 2018. The price tag on the current aid was paid for a while back, so it will bear little impact on the companies involved.