Published 14:54 24.02.14

According to reports in the Syrian media and on websites run by the opposition, Jordan is replacing – or perhaps has already replaced – Turkey as the rebels’ new base of operations. Every month, between 200 and 250 combat soldiers undergo exercises in the Jordanian special forces’ training base near the city of Salt.

Meanwhile, the United States is constructing runways for reconnaissance aircraft near the border between Jordan and Syria, and in recent weeks Saudi Arabia has flown weaponry and ammunition purchased in Ukraine to bases in Jordan. The Gulf states have sent many convoys of food and tents for use by new refugees.

All of this is apparently being done in preparation for a large military operation that reports say will originate in Jordan and extend across the desert in an attempt to reach Damascus. A military headquarters for coordinating actions in Syria has been established in Jordan. The U.S., Saudi Arabia and Jordan are jointly planning the way the attack will be launched, and according to The Washington Post, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have already prepared a list of militias that will be receive advanced weaponry.

It appears that before Barack Obama’s trip next month to Saudi Arabia, and in light of that country’s harsh criticism of the American administration, the U.S. president will want to show military determination against Syria – as long as American troops are not involved in fighting on the ground.

According to reports, Israel has also been involved, and even provided active assistance in at least one attack by rebel troops four months ago, when its communications and intelligence base on Mount Hermon jammed the Syrian army’s communications system and the information relayed between its fighting forces and their headquarters.

Sources in the Free Syrian Army say that the goal at present is to establish a “security zone” inside Syrian territory, near the Jordanian border, from which rebel forces will mount attacks. They will be given more sophisticated weapons and communications systems, which have already arrived in the area, will be involved in coordinated efforts with the Americans and Jordanians, and will receive Saudi funding.

[link to www.haaretz.com]