NATO: Turkey requests deployment of Patriot missiles

In response to Turkey's request from NATO on Wednesday to deploy missile defense elements on its border with Syria to boost its air defense systems, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confirmed that he had received a letter from Turkish government requesting deployment of Patriot missiles. Rasmussen said the following in a written statement yesterday, "Such a deployment would augment Turkey's air defense capabilities to defend the population and territory of Turkey. It would contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along NATO's south-eastern border. And it would be a concrete demonstration of Alliance solidarity and resolve," he noted. Rasmussen also said that the deployment would be defensive only, and it would in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.