Jordan marks Karameh Battle’s 47th anniversary

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), on Sunday attended a ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument in the Jordan Valley, marking the 47th anniversary of the Karameh Battle. 

On March 21, 1968, Jordanian soldiers repelled an Israeli attack on a small town in the Jordan Valley, the name of which translates to “dignity”. 

Several Jordanian soldiers lost their lives in the battle and the raid was repelled with heavy losses for Israel as the military launched an artillery barrage against Israeli tanks.

Several Royal family members as well as Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, and other senior officials and serving and retired officers attended Sunday’s ceremony in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. 

The King reviewed the guard of honour, laid wreaths at the monument and recited verses from the Koran at the site.

Delivering an address during the ceremony, Mufti of the Armed Forces Yahia Btoush said Jordan will always remain strong with its men, heroes and martyrs, paying tribute to the fallen pilot Muath Kasasbeh, who was brutally killed by the Daesh terror group in January.

On the occasion, the King and HRH Crown Prince Hussein received cables of congratulations from senior officials and officers.

On Sunday, the Central Command of JAF decided to dispense JD200 to the families of fallen and wounded soldiers who fought in the Karameh battle.