The Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) have reported two separate security incidents in late April, successfully preventing infiltration and narcotics smuggling attempts along the Kingdom’s northern and eastern borders.
According to a military source from the General Command of the JAF, the Northern Military Zone foiled an infiltration attempt on April 26, arresting four individuals who were trying to cross into Jordanian territory. The source noted that troops quickly applied the rules of engagement, resulting in the suspects’ capture:
“The rules of engagement were swiftly applied, leading to the arrest of the individuals,” the official stated. “They were then transferred to the relevant authorities.”
The JAF reaffirmed its commitment to border security, emphasizing its use of all available resources to prevent unauthorized crossings and smuggling operations:
“The security and stability of the Kingdom remain a top priority,” the statement concluded.
On April 29, forces in the Southern Military Zone intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country. In coordination with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, Border Guard forces detected the drone as it crossed into Jordanian airspace. The drone was brought down, and the narcotics it carried were seized and handed over to the relevant authorities.
A JAF spokesperson reiterated the military’s ongoing vigilance in countering aerial and ground-based threats:
“The JAF remains committed to utilising all available resources and capabilities to prevent any infiltration or smuggling attempts.”
These incidents reflect a wider trend in Jordan’s ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking, especially involving the use of drones. Jordanian forces have responded to a series of drone smuggling attempts in recent months, including along the western border. In one case, a drone was found carrying not only drugs but also a smaller drone and remote control devices.
The JAF continues to expand its surveillance capabilities, including radar systems and drone-detection technologies, to counter the threat of cross-border narcotics trafficking.
On June 30 – July 1, the Jordanian Design and Development Bureau will host the Counter UAS Middle East and Africa conference in partnership with SAE Media Group. The event will bring together counter-UAS leaders from both military and industry to advance discussions around the challenges of tackling drone threats in the region.
Representatives from the JAF, including Brigadier General Eng Shadi R. Khashashneh, Colonel Hamza Mohammad Asweidat and Colonel Ayman Alshagah, will speak on countering tethered UAS and UAS detection in poor weather conditions.
Post Image – A package containing narcotics recovered in Jordan’s Eastern Military Zone (Post Image Credit: Jordan Times)
