AMMAN: Jordan, a US ally has urged Washington to deploy Patriot air defense systems to enhance its border security amid heightened regional tensions and conflict.
The spokesperson for Jordanian army, Brig. Gen. Mustafa Hiyari on Sunday said the Amman has asked the American side to help enhance its defense system with Patriot air defense missile systems.
US installed the Patriot missiles in Jordan in 2013 following an uprising in northern neighbor Syria where the kingdom feared a civil war could spill over to its borders.
Jordan believes that Israel’s relentless bombing on Gaza since October 7 could also spread into a wider conflict.
Patriot, one of the most advanced US air defense systems
The Patriot, is one of the most advanced US air defense systems and its allies around the world demand its installations.
Hiyari dismissed social media reports that the Pentagon was using its bases to transport some of its equipment and weapons to Israel.
The Pentagon has used Jordanian bases in recent months.
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Senior Biden administration officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have warned of the risk of escalation in attacks on American troops in the Middle East.
Jordan has hundreds of US trainers on its soil and is one of the few regional allies who hold wide-ranging drills with US troops throughout the year.
Jordan’s army is one of the largest receivers of Washington’s foreign military assistance.
It has also sought more aid to tackle drones used in a multibillion-dollar drug war along the border with Syria.
