CNN.
Washington (CNN) -- In a critical indication of
growing U.S. military involvement in the civil war in Syria, Defense
Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the deployment of more American troops
to Jordan.
Hagel announced the
deployment, which was first reported on CNN, in a statement to the
Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
He said the troops will work alongside Jordanian forces to "improve readiness and prepare for a number of scenarios."
The troops, which will
number up to 200, are from the headquarters of the 1st Armored Division
at Fort Bliss, Texas, two Defense Department officials told CNN.
The
deployment "creates an additional capability" beyond what has been
there, one official said, and will give the United States the ability to
"potentially form a joint task force for military operations, if
ordered."
The new deployment will
include communications and intelligence specialists who will assist the
Jordanians and "be ready for military action" if President Barack Obama
were to order it, the official said.
