Jordan Asks US to Deploy Patriot Air Defense Systems

Jordan asked the US to deploy Patriot air defense systems to bolster its border defense during heightened regional tensions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jordan asked the US to deploy Patriot air defense systems to bolster its border defense during heightened regional tensions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Jordan Asks US to Deploy Patriot Air Defense Systems

Jordan asked the US to deploy Patriot air defense systems to bolster its border defense during heightened regional tensions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Jordan asked the US to deploy Patriot air defense systems to bolster its border defense during heightened regional tensions. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Jordan asked the US to deploy Patriot air defense systems to bolster its border defense during heightened regional tensions and conflict, the spokesperson for the country's army said.

Jordan's army spokesperson Brigadier General Mustafa Hiyari told state television that the kingdom asked the US to help boost the defense system and provide more aid to tackle drones.

"The drones have become a threat on all our fronts," Hiyari said.

Earlier, a Jordanian military source denied reports that the US was using its Jordan bases to supply Tel Aviv with ammunition and transport some of the equipment from its depots to bolster Israel's defenses in its war in Gaza, as reported by the Arab News Agency.

The Jordanian News Agency quoted a source at the General Command of the Armed Forces dismissing allegations circulating on social media that the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) bases have been used by US aircraft to supply the Israeli army with equipment and ammunition.

The source asserted that spreading and circulating such "rumors" aim to undermine Jordan's position on the Palestinian cause and damage the reputation of the armed forces.

The source pointed out that the Armed Forces Field Hospital is still receiving casualties from Gaza despite all the challenges and difficulties.

He asserted that the Royal Jordanian Air Force remains committed to delivering humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.



Security Council Urges Unity in Lebanon, Welcomes Aoun’s Election

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
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Security Council Urges Unity in Lebanon, Welcomes Aoun’s Election

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The UN Security Council has encouraged all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate “renewed unity,” saying PM designate Nawaf Salam should “swiftly” form a new government.

In a presidential statement unanimously adopted on Lebanon, the Council welcomed on Thursday the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, but it “expressed concern about the reported violations” in reference to ongoing Israeli attacks.

The Council “reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Council resolution 1701 (2006).”

The statement came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon for meetings with top officials.

The Council welcomed the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Salam as Prime Minister, describing the recent developments as “a long-awaited and critical step” to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis.

“It encouraged all parties in that country to demonstrate renewed unity and the new Lebanese authorities to swiftly form a government.”

Last week, the Security Council members held closed consultations on Lebanon to receive an update on the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanon ahead of the expiry of the 60-day deadline outlined in the agreement for the Israeli army to withdraw south of the Blue Line and, in parallel, for the Lebanese military to deploy to positions south of the Litani river.