The US military said on Wednesday that 12,000 soldiers from 17 countries are taking part in this month's military exercises in Jordan, seeking to enhance their abilities to meet "security challenges."
"The tactical execution of Eager Lion 2012 exercise will officially start on May 15," Major Robert Bockholt, public affairs officer at Special Operations Command Central, told AFP.
Coincidentally enough, Jordan's Special Operations Forces Exhibition is also taking place.
Ah, here we go:
Traditionally an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Jordan, this year’s Eager Lion marks the first time forces throughout the region — with the exception of Syria — will train for irregular warfare, special operations and counterinsurgency under a coordinated joint task force.
And it will include a chemical spill. An interesting feature given concerns about the security of Syria's large chemical weapons arsenal. A Marine MEU will participate (a battalion-sized task force).
If any of the countries participating in this exercise want to slip special forces into Syria--even if just to look around, make contact, and leave some equipment--this would be a really good opportunity. I mean really, if 12,000 go in and only 11,500 leave, who will notice?
And even if everyone behaves and stays inside Jordan, this is mighty good practice should the Assad regime collapse. And the Syrians will need to devote scarce resources to watching their long border with Jordan just to keep the exercise participants honest.
