U.S. pledges over $17 mln in initial disaster aid for Lebanon, says embassy

The United States has pledged over $17 million in initial disaster aid for Lebanon, following Tuesday's Beirut port explosion, the U.S. embassy said on Friday.

It said in a statement that the aid included food assistance, medical supplies and financial assistance for the Lebanese Red Cross. "Announcements of additional aid and assistance are forthcoming," it added.