Top US military commander assures Jordan of protection from any threats from Syria

The top US military commander for the Middle East on Monday reiterated Washington’s commitment to helping protect Jordan from any spillover of the Syrian conflict.

US Central Command chief Gen. Erik Kurilla met with the top Jordanian general in Amman to discuss efforts to bolster bilateral military ties as well as the “rapidly changing situation on the ground in Syria,” according to a readout of the meeting.

CENTCOM said Jordan had long been a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the Middle East.

“Gen. Kurilla reiterated the US commitment to supporting Jordan should any threats arise from Syria during the current period of transition,” CENTCOM said.

President Biden also spoke to Jordan’s King Abdullah about the US commitment to the defeat-ISIS mission in Syria. “The President emphasized the support of the United States for the stability of Jordan and Jordan’s central role in maintaining stability and de-escalating tensions throughout the Middle East region,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

A surprise offensive by opposition fighters that started last week in both northern and southern Syria forced Bashar al-Assad to flee the country over the weekend, putting an end to decades of rule by the family. Thousands of prisoners were also freed after the fall of the Assad regime, including from some of the most notorious prisons in the country.