Jordanian Border Guards Kill 4 Smugglers in Clash With Armed Groups
Jordanian Army soldiers patrol along the border with Syria to prevent trafficking, on Feb. 17, 2022. (Khalil Mazraawi/AFP via Getty Images)

Jordanian Border Guards Kill 4 Smugglers in Clash With Armed Groups

Jordanian border guards engaged in an armed confrontation on Thursday with smugglers attempting to enter the country from Syria, leaving four smugglers dead, according to the Jordanian Armed Forces. The remaining individuals retreated back into Syrian territory, the state-run Petra News Agency reported.

The armed forces stated that the smugglers sought to exploit poor visibility caused by dense fog and adverse weather conditions to cross the border undetected. Authorities seized significant amounts of narcotics and an automatic weapon in the operation.

Jordan has faced persistent challenges along its northern border, which has become a key route for drug trafficking, particularly for the amphetamine known as Captagon. Jordanian officials have accused Iran-backed groups in Syria of facilitating the drug trade, which has fueled regional instability. The Jordanian military has adopted a stricter approach in recent years, vowing to use force to curb smuggling operations.

The kingdom has repeatedly called on Syrian authorities to crack down on drug production and smuggling networks operating within its borders. Jordanian officials have also held discussions with regional partners to address the wider implications of narcotics trafficking in the Middle East.

“The armed forces will deal with force and determination against any infiltration or smuggling attempt to protect national security and prevent harm to Jordanian society,” the military statement emphasized.

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