United States sent a hundred soldiers to the Jordanian border with Syria

The U.S. defense secretary Chuck Hagel announced sending a hundred soldiers to Jordan to help this country to defend its border with Syria. Sources of the Pentagon , who requested anonymity, have indicated that the contingent comes from the first Armored Division with base at Fort Bliss (Texas). Hagel said the committee Senate Armed ordered last week sending military to join the efforts being made ​​by the Jordanians to ensure border security. Last December the U.S. Defense Department deployed batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles on the southern border of Turkey "to protect our NATO ally , "he said. Hagel pointed out that since last year, a "small group" of U.S. military experts has been working in Jordan "in planning concerning chemical weapons and prevent contagion of violence towards the borders of Jordan ". "This staff will continue working with the Jordan Armed Forces to improve preparedness for a range of scenarios, "said in a joint appearance with the head of the Joint Chiefs, General Martin Dempsey .

Strengthen security

These initiatives to strengthen security are being implemented through the program Cooperative Threat Reduction to help Syria's neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey and Iraq, to contain the threat of chemical weapons. The Pentagon has spent more than $ 70 million (over 53 million) of this program for Jordan, including training and equipment to detect and stop arms transfers chemical Jordan's border with Syria, and the development of Jordanian troops ability to identify chemical weapons. The Defense Department has expanded consultations on security in Syria with its allies and partners, while ensuring that it has a strategic military presence in the region to a "wide range" of possible contingencies. Hagel will discuss security in the area during the trip take place from 20 to 27 April at the Middle East, which will take you to meet with their counterparts in defense of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. "The best solution for Syria and the region I think is a negotiated political transition , "said Hagel, who stressed that the Defense Department's role is to" support U.S. diplomatic efforts." "While ensuring that U.S. troops are fully prepared to protect U.S. interests and meet our security commitments in the region, "he added. USA is committed to provide $ 117 million in nonlethal aid such as medical and communications equipment, a coalition of opposition groups against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. In addition, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are providing technical assistance and training for leaders and Syrian activists. "The goal is to strengthen opposition groups who share the vision of the international community for the future of Syria and minimize the influence of extremists, "stated Hagel. United States has donated well over $ 385 million in humanitarian assistance to help Syrian citizens caught in the conflict and more than one million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.