U.S Planning To Deploy Patriot Missiles In Jordan

The United States recently announced their plans to deploy Patriot missiles and F-16 fighter jets to Jordan for military exercises this month.

"These annual exercises (Eager Lion) will increase the preparedness of the Jordanian army. This year we are in need of more advanced weapons," Jordanian Minister of Information Mohammad al-Momani said.

There was no official statement from the U.S officials that they would withdraw the Patriots or the fighter jets when the exercises are over, with the possibility of keeping them in a place.

"We will consider extending the deployment of assets associated with Eager Lion in consultation of the government of Jordan," a second U.S official said.

The decision to send Patriot missiles to Jordan is particularly controversial for Russia, Assad's main global ally, which believes the missiles could be used by the United States and its allies to impose a no-fly zone over Syria, heralding the first direct Western military intervention in the conflict.

Despite their differences over supplying weapons, the United States and Russia have jointly called for a peace conference on Syria later this month.