Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni appointed as head of intelligence department

AMMAN — A Royal Decree was issued on Wednesday appointing Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni as director of the General Intelligence Department (GID) as of Wednesday.

Another Royal Decree had been issued promoting Husni from Brigadier General to the rank of Major General, also as of Wednesday, a Royal Court statement said.

In addition, a Royal Decree was issued promoting Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi to the rank of Lieutenant General as of Wednesday, and another had also been issued accepting the resignation of Jundi from his position as director of the GID.

In a letter to Husni, His Majesty King Abdullah entrusted the new GID director to lead the security agency through "an intricate phase" for the region, that poses unprecedented challenges and in which the Kingdom is faced with unstable regional circumstances and a tense global climate. 

He noted that Jordan, with the support of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, the GID and other security bodies, has managed to overcome many of these obstacles, expressing faith in the country’s ability to bypass all posed threats.

The King referred to the recent institutional development process that the GID carried out to continue its pivotal national role, adding that the ongoing development process is focused on the GID’s cadres and the competency and professionalism of its recruits.

He expressed gratitude and pride in the GID’s personnel, as well as those of other security agencies, for their dedication in protecting the nation and detecting “desperate attempts” against it, particularly during the recent period, indicating that some people are taking advantage of the difficult conditions that Jordan is going through.

Seeking “fleeting popularity”, a segment of society has left itself, whether knowingly or not, vulnerable to exploitation from various parties that seek to destabilise the country and tamper with its security, His Majesty said in the letter to Husni.

He said that the GID’s career has been a bright and honourable one, but like any other public institution, it was not void of some transgressions by a small minority that placed its own interests above those of the country, which called for immediate rectification.

He stressed that this minority that displays individual and exploitive behaviour has forgotten that power and office come with responsibility and accountability, noting that the actions of those few must not lead us to misjudge our institutions or doubt their credibility.

His Majesty told Husni that he has been chosen to lead the GID for the ability and competence he has showcased in previous posts at the agency and throughout his career, directing him to continue “with focus and momentum” the process of modernisation and development of the GID, to guarantee the highest levels of professionalism and skill and enhance the values of integrity and justice.

He noted that this approach would undoubtedly contribute to embedding a stimulating and enabling environment to sustain and support the pillars of the modern state, which in turn would support the national economy, mitigate the issue of unemployment and provide the youth with the requirements for a dignified living.

His Majesty concluded the letter with well wishes for Husni in his new post, expressing his full support for the GID and thanking Jundi for his dedicated service.

Later in the day, Husni responded to His Majesty’s letter, expressing pride in being chosen for the position and thanking the King for his faith in him, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Husni pledged in his letter to work to maintain the GID’s status as a civilised national institution and to exert every effort to preserve the country’s achievements and counter all threats and challenges targeting the Kingdom.

The new intelligence chief said that the King’s letter will be a roadmap for the GID going forward, noting that he will immediately begin implementing its directions, which will be adopted as the GID’s work approach.

He stressed that the aspects of professionalism and skill will be given the utmost priority in the agency’s efforts to overcome all challenges, noting that he will follow His Majesty’s directives of ensuring that the rights and dignity of Jordanians are preserved and dealing firmly with all attempts to tamper with the Jordanian national values and anyone intending to encroach on constitutional pillars.

He pledged to deal with all challenges with complete transparency and openness, and to increase the momentum of the modernisation process as directed in the King’s letter, stressing his commitment to the concepts of responsibility and accountability across the board.

Husni highlighted that his service will be dedicated to protecting the interests of Jordan and its people, as well as supporting the foundations of a modern state.