OBAMA SENDS ARMED FORCES INTO TURKEY

U.S. armed forces and Patriot air-defense missile batteries were ordered to Turkey to defend against potential threats from Syria, Pentagon spokesman George Little said Friday.

No details of where or how long the deployment would last.

The Patriot missile deployment would be used only for defense, Turkey and NATO officials said.

3000 U.S. TROOPS SECRETLY RETURN TO NORTHERN IRAQ- 17,000 MORE EN ROUTE

"The purpose of this deployment is to signal very strongly that the United States, working closely with our NATO allies is going to support the defense of Turkey, especially with potential threats emanating from Syria," Little said.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta signed the order as he headed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.