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Italy deploys fighter jets in Sicily amid security concerns

Xinhua, January 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

Italy has deployed four AMX attack aircraft at a base in Sicily, the Defense Ministry said in a statement late on Friday.

According to the statement, "the decision was taken following the recent developments in the area of the countries of North Africa and the consequent deterioration of the security conditions."

The decision, the statement added, was part of the Italian government's strategy in the Mediterranean to "protect national interests" and ensure "coherent levels of security."

The fighter aircraft was deployed at Trapani, a city in northwestern Sicily. AMX is a ground attack aircraft effective in visual and marginal weather conditions, with primary roles in long range strike and air interdiction, close air support, reconnaissance and armed patrol.

Military sources quoted by ANSA news agency said the objective of the deployed aircraft was to monitor the area. Endit