Jordan marks 47th anniversary of Karameh Battle

AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday marked the 47th anniversary of Karameh Battle. 

On March 21, 1968, Jordanian soldiers repelled an Israeli attack on the small town in the Jordan Valley, whose name means “dignity”. 

Eighty-six Jordanian soldiers lost their lives in the battle and 108 were wounded, according to a video posted on the Royal Court’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/watch?v=liih-1wC4ow&feature=youtu.be). 

The Israeli raid was repelled with heavy losses as the Jordanian army launched an artillery barrage against Israeli tanks.

A total of 250 Israeli soldiers were killed and 450 were wounded.

His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday received several cables of congratulations from senior officials and officers on the occasion, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

HRH Crown Prince Hussein received similar cables on the occasion.

In a post on the Royal Court’s Facebook page, in which he shared the YouTube video on the battle, the Crown Prince paid tribute to the martyrs and the soldiers who “achieved the greatest victory” and restored the nation’s dignity and confidence.

Also on Saturday, the Ministry of Education marked the battle’s anniversary, Petra reported.

During a celebration in Southern Shuneh, attended by boy scouts and girl guides, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Mohammad Thneibat said “living nations” are those that always remember their martyrs and build on their efforts.

The minister noted that some 600 palm trees will be planted to mark the occasion.

The Water Ministry also celebrated the anniversary of Karameh Battle and Mother’s Day on Saturday.