Amman- Jordanian Armed Forces, also known as the Arab Army, are engaging in open military confrontations within Syrian territory for the first time, starting at dawn today against drug smuggling networks in southern Syria. According to the Jordanian army, these efforts have resulted in the thwarting of the smuggling of large quantities of drugs, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
This is the first instance where "rocket-propelled weapons" have been mentioned in statements issued by the Jordanian Armed Forces. The army's statement noted that there were several light to moderate injuries among the border guard forces due to the clashes, indicating that the past days have seen an increase in such operations, evolving from infiltration and smuggling attempts to armed clashes.
Foiling a drug smuggling attempt on the Jordanian-Syrian border (Jordanian Army's Facebook page)
Deterrence and Pursuit
It is learned that Jordanian border guard forces were subjected to RPG shelling from inside the Syrian border this morning, as well as sniper gunfire. As stated by the Jordanian army, their military operation will continue until the mission is completed to deter armed groups in southern Syria and pursue them wherever they may be.
A Jordanian military source explained that the clashes are a continuation of the actions taken by armed groups over the past few days, which resulted in several smugglers being killed, one being arrested, and a member of the armed forces martyred, with another one injured a few days ago.
The government's Minister of Communication and official spokesperson, Mohand Al-Mbaideen, confirmed that the Jordanian army "changed its rules of engagement and diversified its combat methods."
In a conversation, he emphasized that "Jordan is waging a war in defense of itself and the neighboring Arab states, which are being targeted to flood the region and the Jordanian society with drugs. Today, we strive to defend our borders and stability, which is a major task that we undertake."
Responding to a question about the Jordanian army entering Syrian territory, the government spokesperson stated, "Jordan will use all its force to confront drug traffickers. This war is fierce and ongoing, and it's very important that we conduct it against the dark forces that seek to destroy our society."
Military expert Mamoun Abu Nowar mentioned that the change in the rules of engagement between the Jordanian army and militants on the other side of the Syrian border was anticipated in light of the increasing drug and weapons smuggling operations from Syria into the kingdom.
The Jordanian army has been waging a war against drug smuggling networks at the border with Syria for years (social media sites)
"An Unacceptable Situation"
The military expert also pointed out in his talk that what's happening on the Jordanian-Syrian border is an attempt to bring chaos into Jordan through drug smuggling and targeting army personnel, and launching drones loaded with drugs and weapons into Jordanian territory.
He asserted, "This is unacceptable. The borders of Jordan are not to be violated, and any action by the army aims to protect Jordan's national security."
Abu Nowar suggested that a buffer zone might have to be created if necessary to halt attempts at arms smuggling and targeting the Jordanian border guards. "This would only happen according to military evaluations and tactics if the danger was perceived as threatening the country."
The Jordanian army has announced for the fourth time in recent days that it has thwarted a series of weapons and drug smuggling operations coming from Syria.
This comes at a time when Amman has expressed its concern over the continuous smuggling of weapons and drugs, which has taken on a new and advanced direction, notably by using drones, along with attempts to bring explosive materials from Syria.
Jordan deems drug smuggling across its borders with Syria, stretching approximately 375 kilometers, as "organized operations" receiving support from armed groups and utilizing drones.
Over the past years, Jordan has witnessed hundreds of infiltration and smuggling attempts, especially from Syria and Iraq, due to the deteriorating security conditions in the neighboring countries.
