US Gives Jordan 150 Armored Vehicles To Boost Army Strength

The US has handed Jordan 150 armoured vehicles to be used in combat and for border protection, according to an official statement. The vehicles are reportedly designed to protect soldiers from biological and chemical attacks, ANSA report said

AMMAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2018 ) ::The US has handed Jordan 150 armoured vehicles to be used in combat and for border protection, according to an official statement. The vehicles are reportedly designed to protect soldiers from biological and chemical attacks, ANSA report said.

The vehicles, M577 Armoured Command Post Vehicles, are part of an annual grant provided by the United States to close allies, which was given days after the US approved a multi-billion Dollar aid package to help the kingdom balance its payment sheets.

''This armoured vehicle will further strengthen the JAF's ability by providing a crew of five soldiers protection against small arms fire and artillery shells, as well as protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons,'' said a statement from the US embassy.

Although the M577 is primarily used as a mobile command post, its design is suitable for other purposes, for example, artillery command and control and ambulance or medical treatment vehicles, it said.

The US provides Jordan with annual military aid of some half a billion Dollars to maintain the kingdom's army at combat level as the two countries are considered strong partners in fighting Islamist groups in the region. Jordan provides the US with various military bases and has been actively helping the CIA to control militant groups in Syria and Iraq.