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| Axis of Evil |
| U.S. boosts Jordan’s air defences ahead of Iraq war |
| 2003-01-30 |
| Jordan, a key ally of Washington, was given six F-16 fighter-bombers ahead of an imminent deployment of U.S. anti-missile batteries on its borders to down any Iraqi missiles, officials and diplomats said on Thursday. Diplomats said the multirole F16s were delivered days before Washington installs the Patriot air defence system in Jordan to help intercept Iraqi Scud missiles that may be launched at Israel across Jordanian airspace during a possible war."Washington seeks to beef up Jordan's defences to strengthen the ability to intercept Iraqi Scud missiles fired against Israel before they enter Jordanian airspace and ideally on Iraqi soil," said one diplomat on condition of anonymity. Officials said the six aircraft were handed over on Wednesday to Jordan's Air Force at the country's main Mufaq Salti air base in a ceremony attended by U.S. Lieutenant General Buzz Mosley, Commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces. Officials said the six aircraft were the first batch of a full F-16 squadron expected in coming months and would reinforce an existing squadron of F-16s given to the kingdom in 1997 to reward it for its pro-U.S. policies as well as a peace accord with Israel in 1994. Sniff, sniff, smell a payoff, anyone? Guess we'll have no problem getting permission for those overflights. |
| Posted by:Steve |