US Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Despite Criticizing Saudi War on Yemen - FARS

 (FNA)- The Pentagon has deployed about 300 US Airmen and F-16 fighter jets to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, for an "expeditionary force deployment" in support of the US’s “national security objectives”.

Marking the second deployment from the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing in the past 18 months, the F-16s were sent to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Force Magazine reported.

The Saudi military said on Wednesday that the F-16s will “increase defensive capabilities against potential threats in the region”, adding that the deployment will last “several months”.

“Swamp Fox Airmen are once again honored to deploy in support of our great nation’s national security objectives,” said US Air Force Col. Akshai Gandhi, 169th Fighter Wing commander, in the release.

Gandhi added that the Citizen-Airmen are fully integrated with other American forces to partner with US allies in the Middle East to “deliver airpower where and when needed”.

The deployment comes while the administration of President Joe Biden announced its intent to allow the sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia for what it calls “defensive purposes”.