00:56Jordan: Operation 'Eager Lion', military exercises next to Syria
Jordan: Operation 'Eager Lion', military exercises next to Syria
A military exercise held in the desert near the port of Aqaba under the banner 'Eager Lion' ended on Wednesday. The exercise involved more than 8,000 soldiers from Jordan, the US and another 17 countries. The training exercise simulated a real battle - first the F-16 fighters bombed set targets after which the rocket attacks began. The exercises also prepared the soldiers for land attacks from tanks and heavy weaponry along with exercises at sea. Hostage rescue scenarios were also played out as part of the exercise.
A US marine speaking from the South of Jordan says: "We've had an excellent opportunity to work with the Jordanian brigade, on some really realistic and some challenging training here on these superior facilities in the south of Jordan."
The Syrian-Jordanian border is now a crucial area in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Syrian conflict that has according to UN reports claimed 93,000 lives so far.
Since June 2013 US President Barack Obama reversed the US policy to abstain from arming Syrian anti-government militant groups, this decision follows Syrian president Bashar al Assad army's consolidation of control in the town of Qusair. Following what has been called the 'siege of Qusair' the Lebanese supply route for munitions to opposition fighters has been closed, making Jordan's geographical position to Syria of greater importance to militant groups.
The US has sent F-16 jets and patriot missiles for the exercises however US officials have not commented on how many F-16s were sent over or if any might stay after 'Eager Lion'.
00:56NONE
Jordan: Operation 'Eager Lion', military exercises next to Syria
A military exercise held in the desert near the port of Aqaba under the banner 'Eager Lion' ended on Wednesday. The exercise involved more than 8,000 soldiers from Jordan, the US and another 17 countries. The training exercise simulated a real battle - first the F-16 fighters bombed set targets after which the rocket attacks began. The exercises also prepared the soldiers for land attacks from tanks and heavy weaponry along with exercises at sea. Hostage rescue scenarios were also played out as part of the exercise.
A US marine speaking from the South of Jordan says: "We've had an excellent opportunity to work with the Jordanian brigade, on some really realistic and some challenging training here on these superior facilities in the south of Jordan."
The Syrian-Jordanian border is now a crucial area in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Syrian conflict that has according to UN reports claimed 93,000 lives so far.
Since June 2013 US President Barack Obama reversed the US policy to abstain from arming Syrian anti-government militant groups, this decision follows Syrian president Bashar al Assad army's consolidation of control in the town of Qusair. Following what has been called the 'siege of Qusair' the Lebanese supply route for munitions to opposition fighters has been closed, making Jordan's geographical position to Syria of greater importance to militant groups.
The US has sent F-16 jets and patriot missiles for the exercises however US officials have not commented on how many F-16s were sent over or if any might stay after 'Eager Lion'.