US Marines deployed along Jordan border with Syria: Report

US Marines deployed along Jordan border with Syria: Report

US soldiers prepare their gear during the Eager Lion joint military exercises near the Jordan–Saudi border. (File photo)

Fri Jun 7, 2013 2:5PM GMT

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In April, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Washington is sending 200 troops to Jordan to help contain the violence in Syria, increasing speculation that US is setting the stage for intervention in the Arab country."

US Marines have reportedly been deployed along Jordan border with Syria as the Syrian Army continues to inflict heavy losses on foreign-backed militants.

Over 1,000 US troops, who had arrived in the Jordanian port of Aqaba via Israel earlier in the week, have headed toward the kingdom's border area with Syria under heavy Jordanian military escort, Israeli sources reported on Friday. 

The troops are reported to be members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Force. 

Washington and Amman have imposed a news blackout on the deployment of US troops on Jordanian soil. 

US sources have confirmed that the presence of the Marines in Jordan has nothing to do with military drills set to be held between American and Jordanian troops later this month. 

In April, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Washington is sending 200 troops to Jordan to help contain the violence in Syria, increasing speculation that US is setting the stage for intervention in the Arab country. 

At the time, Russia criticized the deployment of US troops to Jordan over the Syrian crisis, describing the move as an unconstructive step that threatens to expand the conflict. 

Jordan’s opposition party, the Islamic Action Front, also denounced the presence of American troops in the kingdom and asked the government to review its decision to authorize the deployment of foreign troops on Jordan’s soil. 

HM/KA/SS 

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/06/07/307672/us-marines-deployed-near-syria-border/