U.S. sends more jets to patrol Turkey's air space after Russian incursions

The Pentagon sent additional U.S. fighter jets to Turkey recently after the nation's government requested more help to patrol its airspace following recent Russian incursions.

Six U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle jet fighters were sent to Incirlik Air Base to conduct combat air patrols. Eventually, six more U.S. jets will be sent.

Turkey's request came “on the heels of the incursions we saw by the Russians … and it’s a request we’ve honored,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

Cook said boosting air power demonstrates “both our commitment to ensure the safety of our NATO ally, and our commitment to degrade and ultimately defeat (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.”

“Beyond air operations, we continue our dialogue with Turkey to evaluate options on the most-effective means of countering ISIL, including along its borders in a manner that supports Turkey’s security and regional stability,” Cook said.