American soldiers left Jordan following joint maneuvers

Thousands of American soldiers left Jordan on Sunday after they have completed military maneuvers with the Jordanian forces amid the escalation of regional tension over fears of a likely American attack against Iraq.

Sources of the pro- Iraqi Jordanian opposition expressed fear that the American forces will stay in Jordan after the end of the training to take part in any attack against Iraq.

In August 12, the American forces started their annual military maneuvers before its set date. Eye- witnesses said that the American troops, estimated at 4000, left the kingdom on the board of two ships who left from Aqaba port which overlooks the Red Sea.

The Jordanian government has announced opposition to any military acts against Iraq, and said repeatedly that the American naval troops will leave the country immediately after the end of the maneuvers.

The Jordanian prime minister Ali Abul Ragheb announced last week the end of the maneuvers and the that the US forces will leave the country shortly.

Some media reports quoted military planners saying during the few past months that Washington thinks of using Jordan as a base to launch air attacks and commandos attacks against Iraq.

The Jordanian officials strongly denied their country's participation in any secret plans to use the Jordanian territories against Iraq or to give any facilities for the American forces.