(AP) — U.S. administration officials say about a dozen U.S. fighter jets will be flying and conducting training operations in Jordan. They’ll be poised to respond if

needed to protect allies if the war in neighboring Syria spills over the border.

Officials say the increased show of U.S. military might should be seen as a signal to Syria that its 2-year-old civil war must remain contained within its borders and that the U.S. is committed to its defense relationship with Jordan.

The total number of U.S. forces in Jordan will be as many as 1,000.

The officials say this is not a first step toward establishing a no-fly zone around Syria. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the mission publicly.