NATO land forces commander starts surprise visit to Turkey

Commanding General of NATO's Allied Land Command Frederick Hodges arrived in Turkey Saturday in an unannounced visit to inspect the missile defense system (Patriot) which was recently deployed in on the Turkey's borders with Syria. Turkish news agency Ihlas reported that Hodges Upon his arrival held meetings with Commander of the German Military Unit for Patriot system in Turkey Colonel Bernd Stockmann as well as members of the patriot units deployed in different Turkish cities. In a press statement, Hodges said that the deployment of the Patriot system in Turkey was implemented upon a request from Turkey and after the approval of the 28 NATO member states. He noted that Turkey has greatly cooperated with the deployed units