King praises bravery of security personnel

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), on Tuesday paid a visit to the Gendarmerie Department and discussed security-related issues with its Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King was acquainted with the force’s preparedness as well as with the details of the operation it implemented in cooperation with other security agencies to deal with the terrorist attack that targeted police patrols and civilians in Karak on Sunday.

The King offered his condolences over the death of gendarmerie and public security department personnel, who were killed in the line of duty, along with innocent civilians. 

The Monarch commended the "high efficiency" of the gendarmerie personnel that enables them to deal with different security situations, underlining his pride in all security bodies and their courage in defending the Kingdom and its people.

The King praised members of the taskforce who risked their lives to save the hostages during the operation, stressing that the terrorist act would not affect Jordan’s security and stability but will only make it stronger. 

He noted that the world faces the dangers of terrorism every day and fights against it, and what happened in Jordan happens elsewhere as well. 

During the visit, Hawatmeh briefed His Majesty on the executive plans and services his department offers to the public, following Royal directives to enroot the rule of law in accordance with the best practices, ensuring transparency and respect of human rights.

Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah visited JAF’s headquarters, where he was received by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, with whom the King discussed issues of interest to the army. 

During the meeting, the King commended the advanced level the army units have reached, according to the Royal Court.