The U.S. has deployed F-16 fighter jets and Patriot missiles to Jordan for a multinational joint military exercise, Reuters reports.
Suleiman Al-Khalidi writes the annual Eager Lion drills will involve more than 4,500 troops from the U.S., 3,000 soldiers from Jordan and 500 personnel from the U.K., Saudi Arabia and other nations.
Officials said last week the U.S. might consider keeping the aircraft and missiles in Jordan in an effort to enhance both countries’ ability to respond to contingencies, according to Reuters.military response to contingencies.
Maj. Gen. Awni al-Adwan, commander of Jordanian Army, told reporters Sunday the drills are not related to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Troops will also fly F-18 jets from Persian Gulf bases and practice managing chemical strikes during the exercise, according to Al-Khalidi’s report.
