The United States says it plans to keep about 1,500 American soldiers and military equipment in Jordan until the security situation improves there.In a report to Congress on Friday, the White House said that the US military also stationed Patriot missile systems and fighter aircraft in the Arab country to help Amman against insecurity from the conflict in neighboring Syria.
These forces will remain in Jordan, in full coordination with the government of Jordan, until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer needed, the report said.
In a June letter to US House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, US President Barack Obama said that the deployment was made at the request of the Jordanian government.
Obama stated that the US troops deployed to Jordan as part of Eager Lion 2013 would stay in the country.
The troops will stay until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer required, Obama added, but provided no further details.
"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," he said.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside the country.
The United Nations says more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the turmoil that has gripped Syria for over two years.
The UN has predicted that more than four million other Syrians will be forced out of their homes in 2014 by the escalating conflict in the country.
By Press TV
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