Jordanian Armed Forces receive US military aid

Jordanian armed forces yesterday in Aqaba received the third and final shipment of military assistance and equipment which was promised by the US to Jordan in 1996.

The USA, appreciating the Jordanian role in Middle East peace efforts, decided to supply the kingdom with military assistance worth $100 million.

The third shipment, which arrived in Aqaba, Jordan on Monday, contained 38 tanks, 18 cannons, spare helicopter parts and personnel carriers in addition to $6 million in ammunition.

President Bill Clinton on February 23, 1996 ratified a resolution to supply Jordan with military equipment, spare parts and training.

Jordan sent a list of its needs to the Pentagon which supplied the Jordanian army with equipment which is "in very good condition," a military source said.

The aid was sent in three installments. The first was in Dec. 1996 while the second, including only one C-130 transport aircraft, arrived in Jordan in Jan. 1997.