Turkey: Patriot missiles discussed for Syria

ANKARA - The Associated Press

AA photo

A Turkish official says Turkey and its allies, including the United States, have discussed the possibility of using Patriot missiles to protect a zone inside war-torn Syria, The Associated Press reported.

The Foreign Ministry official said Wednesday that the missiles are one of a number of scenarios being considered as a way to stop regime attacks on the Syrian opposition and civilians.

The official says planning was put on hold pending the U.S. election, but the issue is likely to be taken up now that President Barack Obama has won a second term. He says any missile deployment might happen under a "NATO umbrella."

He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with ministry rules that bar him from talking on the record to the media.