Russian Information Agency Novosti
June 22, 2012
US Boosts Military Presence in Jordan after Exercises
WASHINGTON: Along with US with missiles and fighter jets, about 700 US troops will remain in Jordan after training exercises which ended this week, US President Barack Obama said in his letter to the Congress.
The troops and military equipment took part in the Eager Lion exercises in Jordan.
“This detachment that participated in the exercise and remained in Jordan includes Patriot missile systems, fighter aircraft, and related support, command, control, and communications personnel and systems,” Obama said in a letter to House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner.
“The deployment of this detachment has been directed in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, including the important national interests in supporting the security of Jordan and promoting regional stability, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations,” the US president said in his letter.
Jordan, Washington’s longtime ally, sees an inflow of refugees fleeing the ongoing civil war in Syria and possible cross-border missile attacks as a possible threat.
“The detachment will remain in Jordan, in full coordination with the government of Jordan, until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed,” Obama’s letter reads.
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