US pulls Patriot missile systems from Turkey

The US has decided to withdraw its border protection mission in Turkey which was deployed against possible threats from Syria, a joint statement by Washington and Ankara said on Sunday.

"The US has informed the Turkish government that the US deployment of Patriot air and missile defence units in Turkey which expires in October will not be renewed beyond the end of the current rotation," Xinhua reported citing the statement.

The batteries would be re-deployed to the US for "critical modernisation upgrades that will ensure the US missile defence force remains capable of countering evolving global threats and protecting Allies and partners, including Turkey," said the statement, adding that this decision follows a US review of global missile defence posture.

The US and NATO are committed to supporting Turkey's security and regional stability, and if needed, the US was prepared to return Patriot assets and personnel to Turkey within one week, noted the statement.