Increasing Cross-Border Security Threats: Jordan Intercepts Third Drone from Syria

Increasing Cross-Border Security Threats: Jordan Intercepts Third Drone from Syria

Unrelenting Cross-Border Security Threats

The Jordanian army recently intercepted a drone coming from Syria, marking the third such incident within a span of a month. This information was confirmed through a statement released by the Jordanian army. The statement, however, did not disclose further details such as the type of drone or its origin within Syria.

This incidence underscores the ongoing efforts by Jordan to secure its airspace and borders, especially considering its proximity to Syria, a country that has been grappling with civil war and unrest for over a decade. The increasing frequency of these incidents suggests an escalating level of cross-border security threats. The Jordanian army remains vigilant in monitoring and responding to these threats to maintain national security.

Drone Incidents – A Rapidly Escalating Problem

According to reports, the Jordanian military recently shot down a drone carrying narcotics from Syria, in the third such incident in recent weeks. The drone, carrying two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, was intercepted and shot down on Jordan’s side of its border with Syria. This incident came a day after Army and intelligence chiefs from Jordan and Syria met to discuss the combating of the ongoing drug smuggling operations across their common border.

Amid the conflicts in Syria, a thriving multibillion-dollar drug trade has emerged. Western anti-narcotics authorities point to Jordan as a primary transit route to the Gulf states for a Syrian-produced amphetamine called Captagon. This large-scale trade has garnered significant attention and has prompted discussions between military and security representatives from both Jordan and Syria.

(Read Also: UN Border Restrictions Sever Lifeline to Millions in Northeast Syria: HRW Speaks Out)

Efforts to Counter Smuggling

Despite assurances from Damascus, Jordan asserts that it has yet to witness any substantial endeavor to quell this illicit trade. In June, the Jordanian military disclosed its successful interception of three drones attempting to cross from Syria into Jordan, one of which was carrying a payload of weapons.

An official statement from the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces conveyed that a drone carrying TNT explosives originating from Syrian territory was successfully intercepted. The collaborative efforts of the Drug Control Department and military security services played a pivotal role in foiling the smuggling attempt.

(Read Also: Jordanian Forces Thwart Major Drug Smuggling Attempt from Syria)

Increasing Vigilance Against Drone Intrusions

Jordan’s eastern regional forces have intercepted and downed a drone originating from Syria, marking the third such incident this month. The drone, detected crossing the border illegally by Jordanian border guards, military intelligence, and the Public Security Directorate’s Anti-Narcotics Department, was shot down within Jordan’s territory.

Items carried by the drone were seized, although specifics were not provided. Earlier this month, Jordanian military forces intercepted a drone carrying approximately 500 grams of illicit drugs and a combat drone, both also from Syria. This follows three thwarted attempts in May to smuggle drugs into Jordan from Syria.

The repeated incidents of drone interceptions highlight the escalated cross-border security threats that Jordan is facing. The Jordanian army, however, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard national security, demonstrating a high level of efficiency and operational readiness to address any threats to the country’s security and protect its citizens.

Read More Breaking News