Washington ( CNN ) -- Due to security concerns in Jordan , which borders the Syrian civil war , a combat-equipped detachment of about 700 U.S. troops will remain in the country following training exercises that ended this week , President Barack Obama told Congress on Friday . In a letter to comply with the War Powers Act , Obama notified Congress that the detachment staying behind at the request of the Jordanian government included `` Patriot missile systems , fighter aircraft , and related support , command , control and communications personnel and systems . '' `` The detachment will remain in Jordan , in full coordination with the government of Jordan , until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed , '' Obama 's letter said . A flood of refugees from the Syrian conflict is considered potentially destabilizing for Jordan , a key U.S. ally in the region . In addition , the possibility of cross-border missile fire or other attack raises concerns of an unwanted escalation in the volatile Middle East . `` The deployment of this detachment has been directed in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests , including the important national interests in supporting the security of Jordan and promoting regional stability , pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations , '' Obama 's letter said . CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr previously reported that U.S. troops would remain in Jordan beyond the training exercises that concluded Thursday . Obama 's letter Friday put the figure at around 700 . The Patriot missiles would be used to defend Jordan against any missiles launched from Syria , according to Starr 's report . A senior U.S. military official told Starr that F-16 fighter jets `` send a message '' to Syria that the United States will defend Jordan if necessary . In addition , another 200 or so troops specializing in military planning from the 1st Armored Division 's headquarters were scheduled to arrive later this summer in Jordan , Starr previously reported . The planning troops were to replace existing planners with a more focused ability to help Jordan 's commanders prepare for any number of Syrian contingencies , including a chemical weapons crisis or a worsening refugee situation , according to Starr 's report . At the same time , U.S. Marines were continuing a longstanding presence in Jordan of about 130 personnel to train Jordanian units slated to go to Afghanistan . Officials acknowledged to Starr that the counter-terrorism training could be used in any crisis . Meanwhile , the U.S. Navy also was continuing its longstanding deployment of three anti-ballistic missile ships is the eastern Mediterranean . The ships , with a total crew of about 1,000 , carry Tomahawk cruise missiles to defend Israel from any attack by Iran . Several Navy officials said the U.S. ships also could defend Jordan or Israel against any Scud missile launch from Syria . Last week , the Obama administration announced it was increasing aid to Syrian rebels , including military assistance , after determining government forces had used chemical weapons . The administration has yet to provide details of the military assistance it would provide , but sources indicated it would be light arms and ammunition , and perhaps anti-tank weapons . Senior U.S. officials have said there was continuing concern that eventually some type of military units will be needed to go into Syria to take control of chemical weapons stockpiles . For more than a year , the United States has quietly trained Jordanian forces for that mission , Starr previously reported . CNN 's Jim Acosta contributed to this report .
President Obama notifies Congress of the detachment of 700 troops . - The U.S. military announces that it will be sending a team to help in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims, but does not say how many soldiers would go or what their role might be. - Jordan 's government asked for the increased military presence , Obama 's letter says . Civil war in neighboring Syria is a threat to stability in Jordan , a key U.S. ally .