Hellfire missiles headed for Portland were for ‘training’

The Associated Press reported Monday that two Hellfire missiles destined for Portland were unarmed and for training purproses.

On Sunday, March 13, the AP reported that Serbian authorities were investigating reports that two Hellfire missiles with explosive warheads were discovered on an airline passenger flight destined for Portland.

But on Monday, officials with the Lebanese Army said the missiles were unarmed and being returned to their manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, which has an office in Portland. According to an Army official, the return was in accordance “with administrative and legal measures after the training ended.”

The AP reports were posted online by Portland Tribune news partners KOIN 6 News and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

www.ArmyTechnology.com says the AGM-114 II Hellfire is an air-to-ground missile developed primarily for the anti-armour role. The American-made projectiles can be fired from air, sea or ground platforms.

According to the AP report, a cargo package bound for the United States containing two missiles with explosive warheads was found on a passenger flight from Lebanon to Serbia. The package with two guided armor-piercing missiles was discovered Saturday by a sniffer dog after an Air Serbia flight from Beirut landed at Belgrade airport, Serbian media said, with documents listing the final destination as Portland, Oregon.

The report says Air Serbia is helping in the investigation. The Serbian flag carrier says “security and safety are the main priorities for Air Serbia,” the AP reports.

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