Local

-16 arrested as GID says plot involves short-range missile, drone factory 

-Momani says cell dismantled received funding, training from foreign sources 

-He says group set up two covert warehouses in Zarqa, Amman, fortified with concrete, secret rooms

-Minister says suspects involved in foiled plots affiliated with unlicensed, officially dissolved political organisation

AMMAN — Jordan’s General Intelligence Department (GID) said it has foiled plans aimed at targeting national security, sowing chaos, and sabotage within Jordan.

In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, GID said that 16 suspects have been detained after close intelligence monitoring since 2021.

“The plans include cases related to manufacturing rockets using local tools as well as tools imported for illegal purposes, possession of explosives and firearms, concealing a rocket ready to be deployed, planning to manufacture drones and recruiting and training operatives in Jordan as well as training them abroad,” the statement said. 

The GID said it had referred all the cases to the State Security Court for the necessary legal action.

Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani said that the 16 persons arrested were involved in “coordinated plots” that the GID has foiled that threatened national security, using short-range missiles, explosives, drones and automatic weapons. He said that the suspects recruited operatives from abroad for militant activities.

Speaking at a press briefing, Momani said the GID had uncovered and dismantled four major security cases after years of surveillance and investigation.

"These were serious and deliberate attempts to harm Jordan's national security," Momani said. "Thanks to the vigilance of our intelligence services, all the operatives involved were arrested and their plans neutralised."

The minister detailed four separate cases involving several groups that have been operating since 2021. 

Among the most alarming findings were attempts to produce short-range missiles with a range of 3 to 5 kilometres, drones and store large quantities of explosives, including TNT, C4 and SEMTEX-H.

In the first case, authorities arrested four suspects between May and June 2023. Three were involved in transporting and storing high-grade explosives and automatic weapons smuggled in from abroad, while a fourth suspect was found hiding a fully assembled Katyusha rocket with a detonator in the Marj Al Hamam area near Amman.

The second case, uncovered in February 2025, involved a three-man cell involved in the production of rockets. 

The group set up two covert warehouses, one in Zarqa and another in Amman; the latter fortified with concrete and secret rooms. Investigators say the cell received funding and training from foreign sources and managed to produce a working prototype of a short-range missile.

In a third case, four people allegedly developed drone technology with outside help. Members of the group travelled abroad to obtain technical expertise and built a prototype drone using raw materials, Momani said.

The fourth case involved five people divided into two groups, some of whom had been trained overseas. The suspects were allegedly recruiting and preparing new members for illegal paramilitary activities.

Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said that all suspects have been referred to the State Security Court on charges under the Anti-Terrorism Law. The charges were approved by the Prosecutor General of the Court following the completion of official investigations.

Momani assured the public that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that all elements of the plots had been intercepted before they could be carried out.

Highlighting that evidence to be made public, he said that a television report prepared by the Jordanian authorities will be broadcast tonight, including footage of the rocket production sites and the tools used by the suspects. 

Video confessions from those involved in the missile, drone and recruitment conspiracies will also be broadcast during the 8pm news bulletin on Jordan TV, he added.

Momani described the revelations as "just a glimpse" of the security services' wider efforts to address complex threats. 

"The actions of our intelligence personnel have once again ensured the security and stability of the kingdom," he said.

In response to a question during the press briefing, Momani revealed that the suspects involved in the foiled plots are affiliated with a political organisation that is both unlicensed and officially dissolved under Jordanian law.

"The Jordanian public will hear directly from the suspects in the video confessions that will be released," Momani said, referring to the footage that will be broadcast as part of the government's disclosure of the case.

Asked whether regional developments might have influenced the suspects' actions, he firmly rejected such interpretations.

"Jordan has not and will not accept any justification for what happened," he said. "These acts took place on Jordanian soil and represent a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty."

He added that the extensive planning involved - over four years - made it unlikely that the attacks were simply a response to a single regional event.

"It is clear that these actions were part of a broader, ideological scheme rooted in a dark and structured agenda that is not linked to any specific incident," he said.

Momani also pointed to the range of the rockets seized - between 3 and 5 kilometres - as further evidence that the attacks were aimed directly at Jordan.

"This was a deliberate attempt to undermine Jordanian sovereignty," he stressed. "And under no circumstances will Jordan tolerate any attempt to undermine its national security."

AMMAN — The price of 21-karat gold, the most popular choice among consumers in Jordan, reached JD65.90 per gramme for retail sale in jewellery stores. The buying price for this karat was reported at JD63.90 per gramme.

According to the daily report issued on Tuesday by the Jordanian Jewellers Syndicate, the retail prices for 24-karat and 18-karat gold stood at JD75.50 and JD58.80 per gramme, respectively the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The price of 14-karat gold was listed at JD44.50 per gramme.

AMMAN — In celebration of Jordan Flag Day on April 16, the Royal Hashemite Documentation Centre (RHDC) has highlighted a notable historical document preserved in its archives: Issue No. 568 of Al Qibla newspaper, published on March 13, 1922.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the RHDC said that the document contains an official decree on the design of the Jordanian flag. According to the decree, Prince Abdullah I ordered a reconfiguration of the flag’s colours, placing white in the centre, green in place of white, while keeping black in its original position.

The centre noted that the colours and symbolism of the flag are derived from the banner of the Great Arab Revolt, reflecting the historical and national significance behind its design.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday received a phone call from Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss the "strong" relations between Jordan and Lebanon.

Salam expressed Lebanon's full solidarity with Jordan in addressing threats to its security and stability, saying Lebanon would cooperate with Jordanian authorities in tackling potential risks facing both countries.

Hassan highlighted that the attempted scheme thwarted by the General Intelligence Department (GID) and Jordanian security services underscores Jordan's strength and resilience, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

He said Jordan is committed to supporting its brothers in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez on Tuesday expressed appreciation for the General Intelligence Department (GID), Jordan’s security agencies, and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), commending their pivotal role in thwarting terrorist plots that sought to destabilise the country.

Fayez extended congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein and the GID Director for what he described as a significant national achievement, intercepting four terrorist cells intent on harming Jordan’s security.

He said the success, led by the GID’s elite "Knights of the Right," adds to the legacy of accomplishments by Jordan’s security forces in defending the nation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 "This operation reaffirms that the GID remains ever-vigilant in confronting extremist and terrorist groups and standing against any treacherous attempts to disrupt national stability," Fayez said.

He emphasised that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, remains resilient in the face of malicious plots.

"With the wisdom of the King, the commitment of the armed forces and security agencies, and the unity of the Jordanian people, the Kingdom will continue to stand strong as a bulwark against all conspiracies."

Fayez also condemned the "cowardly" terror attempts, describing them as a distraction from the atrocities being committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He said such plots aim to weaken Jordan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and His Majesty’s diplomatic efforts to end the aggression and secure the Palestinians’ legitimate rights.

"These cowardly acts will not break the will of Jordanians," he said, "nor will they weaken their unity or resolve. On the contrary, they will only deepen our commitment to defending the nation and standing behind His Majesty the King and our armed forces."

He reiterated that Jordan faces threats from both internal and external forces, calling for reinforced social cohesion and national solidarity to block any attempts by extremists to sow instability.

Referring to a recent statement by His Majesty King Abdullah warning against those receiving instructions from foreign actors, Fayez said, "Enough is enough. We must all shoulder our national responsibility and confront anyone who threatens Jordan’s core values and interests."

He also reiterated the Senate’s full support for the JAF and security agencies, praising them as the guardians of Jordan’s safety and sovereignty.

Also on Tuesday, Lower House Speaker  Ahmad Safadi reiterated that any attempt to undermine Jordan’s national security constitutes a "grave act of treason" that must be met with the harshest legal penalties.

Safadi stressed that there will be no leniency for those who engage in subversive activities that serve the interests of the nation’s enemies, declaring that such actions are unequivocally rejected by the House of Representatives.

He stressed that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and supported by the strength of the JAF and security agencies, will remain steadfast and secure.

The country, he said, is further fortified by the vigilance and loyalty of its people, who stand united against any threat to its stability.

Referring to the recently uncovered terrorist cell by the General Intelligence Department (GID), Safadi said the incident reflects a mindset steeped in double standards and hostility towards the state, its institutions and its national symbols.

He described the embrace of militia ideologies within a strong and sovereign state, a country long known for its stability and humanitarian stance,  as an inexcusable crime.

“These are unforgivable actions,” Safadi said, “especially in a country that has served as a pillar of security and a refuge in a turbulent region.”

He added that in the face of such threats, only the language of strength and the authority of the state can prevail. “What a vile act, and what a despicable goal for that misguided group,” he said.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s resilience, saying: “This nation will endure, and those who commit such treachery are destined to fail.”

Also on Tuesday, Parliamentary blocs and committees condemned what they described as criminal plots aimed at undermining Jordan’s security and endangering the lives of its citizens.

The Lower House's Foreign Affairs Committee praised the GID, JAF, and all security agencies for their role in safeguarding the country and thwarting the alleged plots.

"The alertness and professionalism demonstrated by our security bodies reflect their continued efficiency and capability to neutralise threats to Jordan’s stability," committee chair MP Dina Bashir said in a statement.

She lauded the GID for foiling what she called "dark and dangerous schemes" that sought to destabilise the country, emphasising the importance of national unity and the backing of the Hashemite leadership.

The committee also denounced the reported affiliation of the uncovered cell with foreign organisations, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. "Any attempt to undermine national security must be met with full legal consequences," the statement said.

The Erada (Will) and Islamic Homeland parliamentary bloc echoed similar sentiments, expressing pride in the efforts of Jordan’s security services and describing the thwarted plots as "cowardly" and "heinous."

"These acts will not affect the determination of the Jordanian people or shake the cohesion of our internal front under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah," the bloc said.

It accused the perpetrators of seeking to sow instability and fracture national unity, particularly at a time when Jordan is actively supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The bloc described the alleged plans as violations of Jordanian sovereignty and called for severe legal action against those involved.

The Centrist Parties’ Coalition parliamentary bloc said Jordan’s security was a "red line" that must not be crossed, voicing support for the country’s leadership and security apparatus in the face of threats.

The bloc urged a tough stance on anyone complicit in what it called a "despicable conspiracy" and called for enhanced coordination among security, judicial, and legislative authorities to uproot extremism.

It warned of ideological and intellectual infiltration targeting certain segments of society, stressing the need for heightened awareness efforts and vigilance against any activity that could undermine social cohesion.

The bloc also commended the GID’s professionalism, describing it as "a bulwark of the homeland," and saluted the armed forces and all security agencies for their round-the-clock efforts to protect the country.

It credited Jordan’s security achievements to His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership and vision, as well as the support of HRH Crown Prince Hussein, who it said represents the aspirations of Jordanian youth.

The Azm Party bloc also praised the "heroic" work of Jordan’s security services in preventing what it called "cowardly schemes" that sought to destabilise the country.

"These vile attempts will not break the will of Jordanians nor undermine our unified front," the bloc said.

It condemned the plots as a "flagrant violation" of national sovereignty, describing them as hostile actions by extremist forces opposed to Jordan’s principles of moderation, justice, and the rule of law.

The bloc called for a firm legal response to any attempt to threaten public safety and warned against complacency in addressing any individual or group involved in disturbing the country’s security.

The bloc reaffirmed its unwavering support for Jordan’s security agencies and called on the public to stand united against any threat to the nation.

The Azm parliamentary bloc commended the efforts and vigilance of Jordan’s security agencies in thwarting what it described as cowardly plots targeting the country’s safety and stability.

In a statement, the bloc said the "heinous attempts" would not shake the resolve of the Jordanian people nor undermine national unity under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

The bloc described the alleged plots as a "blatant assault on national sovereignty," calling them a hostile act by forces of darkness and extremism opposed to Jordan’s principles of moderation, justice, and the rule of law.

It emphasised that "the hand of justice must be firm and decisive" in dealing with anyone who seeks to jeopardise national security or endanger the lives of innocent citizens.

The Taqaddom also parliamentary bloc denounced what it called "plots and conspiracies" that it said aimed to destabilise Jordan and serve "malicious agendas" intended to derail the country’s efforts to defend the Palestinian cause.

AMMAN — The joint tactical exercise “Jabal 6” (Mountain 6) commenced on Monday, conducted by the Rapid Intervention Battalion/Commandos 61, a unit within the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Rapid Intervention Brigade, with the participation of a French Special Forces team and the presence of the brigade commander.

The four-week exercise aims to enhance joint coordination and rapid response capabilities during emergency situations, according to a Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) statement.

It also seeks to boost participants’ ability to operate effectively in a variety of challenging environments, ensuring readiness to make swift and strategic decisions under pressure.

Training activities include combat operations in mountainous terrain, aerial cableway transport of supplies and ammunition, cliff rappelling, free climbing, ground medical evacuation, logistical resupply operations, and the deployment of reconnaissance teams and sniper units in rugged areas.

The exercise forms part of the JAF’s broader training strategy in cooperation with allied and partner forces. It is designed to promote the exchange of military expertise, bolster combat preparedness, and sharpen the operational capabilities of participating units in addressing a range of tactical and environmental challenges.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday received United States Senator Joni Ernst.

The meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, covered the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, and ways to bolster and expand cooperation in various fields, according to a Royal Court statement.

The meeting also touched on developments in the region, and efforts to stop Israel’s war on Gaza and reinstate the ceasefire immediately, as well as the situation in Syria and Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.

AMMAN — Authorities at the King Hussein Bridge Customs Centre, in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Department and other security agencies operating on-site, thwarted on Tuesday an attempt to smuggle 650 kilogrammes of hashish concealed within a shipment of construction stone bound for Jordan.

The Jordan Customs Department said that suspicions regarding the shipment prompted a detailed inspection, which uncovered the narcotics hidden inside the stones, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

A formal seizure report was filed as a preliminary step towards initiating legal proceedings against those involved, in accordance with procedures followed by the Anti-Narcotics Department.

The department reiterated its commitment to protecting the Kingdom’s borders in cooperation with relevant security and regulatory bodies, underscoring its continued efforts to combat all forms of smuggling, particularly narcotics, due to their serious implications for Jordan’s economic and social security.

AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) on Tuesday marked Jordan’s Flag Day, observed annually on April 16, with a series of nationwide celebrations.

The commemorations included adorning military buildings with the Jordanian flag, hosting national events at military culture schools, and distributing flags to citizens across the Kingdom.

As part of the celebrations, a group of JAF personnel raised the Jordanian flag atop Jabal Umm ad-Dami, the highest peak in the Kingdom, standing at 1,900 metres above sea level in the Wadi Rum mountain range, according to a JAF statement. 

The initiative served as a powerful tribute to the occasion and a reflection of deep-rooted loyalty to the homeland and its Hashemite leadership. 

It also aligns with JAF’s ongoing commitment to upholding the symbolic significance of the national flag, representing dignity, pride, and sovereignty, and to highlighting the role of the Arab Army in defending and raising the flag in arenas of honour and valour.

The Jordanian flag is a powerful national symbol, representing pride, unity, and unwavering loyalty, according to a JAF statement.  

"Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, the flag continues to soar, upheld by the solidarity of Jordanians and the legacy of the Hashemites, who together forged the identity of an independent nation."

Flag Day stands as a tribute to national values, freedom, justice, equality, and the spirit of belonging, rooted in the ideals of the Great Arab Revolt, the statement said.

The Cabinet officially designated the occasion as a national observance during the Kingdom’s centennial celebrations. It commemorates the historic moment on May 25, 1946, when Jordanians raised their flag in celebration of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s independence.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday continued his official visit to Washington with a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Jordan’s strategic partnership with the US and advancing economic cooperation.

Hassan met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Lee Greer to discuss expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation, according to a Prime Ministry statement.  

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the prime minister described the meeting as “productive,” emphasising Jordan’s commitment to deepening its economic ties with the US.

Hassan held talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. 

Discussions focused on Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and the Kingdom’s recent financial and structural reforms to promote growth, resilience, and job creation.

Banga and Georgieva commended Jordan’s reform trajectory and reaffirmed the World Bank and IMF’s continued support for the Kingdom’s development goals. They also welcomed ongoing efforts to attract investment and strengthen public-private sector cooperation.

Hassan is also scheduled to meet with several senior US officials during his visit, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Budget Director Russell Vought, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.