AMMAN, Jordan – Jordanian officials say the U.S. will deploy anti-missile batteries and F-16 jet fighters in the kingdom to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of a Syrian attack.
Two security officials involved in the deployment, expected in the coming days, said Wednesday that Washington is deploying one or two Patriot missile launchers on the northern border with Syria and a squadron of 12 to 24 F-16 warplanes as part of the international military maneuver "Eager Lion." Both officials are not allowed to make press statements.
The officials said some or all the weapons will remain beyond the June 9-20 exercise. They declined to say how long they would stay.
Jordan is concerned that Syrian President Bashar Assad may attack neighbors who back the opposition seeking to topple him.
