An unnamed Jordan source said the U.S. military agreed on Friday to the country’s request to put Patriot missile batteries along the border with Syria.
A London newspaper quoting the Jordan source said the United States was sending two Patriot missile batteries to the area, The Times of Israel reported. The source also said the Patriot missile batteries would be transferred from sites in Qatar and Kuwait, and placed in strategic border spots that could best serve – and protect – the kingdom.
Just a few weeks ago, Patriot missile defense batteries were put along the Turkey-Syria border to protect Ankara from mortar fire, The Times of Israel reported. And on Wednesday, Secretary of State Chuck Hagel announced the U.S. would send 200 troops to Jordan to help with violence along the Syrian border.
Jordanian Information Minister Mohammed Momani said to The Associated Press that the 200 troops were welcome, and would “bolster our training and defense capabilities in light of the deterioration in Syria.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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