The Jordanian army engaged in a significant border clash with drug smugglers at the Syrian border, resulting in casualties on both sides. The incident occurred when a large group of drug dealers attempted to cross the border from Syria under the cover of heavy fog. The smugglers were forced to retreat into Syria after the army’s intervention.
This clash follows a similar incident just a week ago, where three smugglers were shot dead while trying to transport a significant amount of captagon pills, a type of amphetamine. The confrontation took place in an area northeast of the city of Mafraq in Jordan, according to Syrian sources.
In response to the incident, the Jordanian army emphasized their commitment to protecting their borders and safeguarding national security. They stated, “We act forcefully to protect our borders and prevent any attempt to undermine our national security.” To enhance border security, Jordan has received assurances of increased military aid from the United States. Throughout the Syrian conflict, the US has already provided approximately $1 billion to establish border posts, according to Jordanian officials.
This incident sheds light on the larger issue of the drug trade in the region, with Syria serving as a major hub for a multi-billion-dollar drug trade. Jordan, being a transit route to the Gulf states, has become a key location for the smuggling of captagon, a Syrian-made amphetamine. Western anti-narcotics officials, as well as Washington and its European allies, support Jordanian officials’ claims that Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group and militias controlling southern Syria are involved in the surge of smuggling activities. However, Hezbollah denies these allegations.
Senior officials from Jordan have expressed their concerns to both Syrian authorities and Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Jordan has grown increasingly frustrated with what it perceives as unfulfilled promises to combat the drug trade, prompting the country to take matters into its own hands. Throughout this year, Jordan has conducted multiple strikes within Syrian territory, targeting drug factories with ties to Iran. As the winter months approach, officials anticipate a rise in smuggling attempts, some of which have involved the use of drones.
Despite these allegations, Damascus denies any involvement with Iranian-backed militias connected to its army and security forces, asserting that it is actively working to combat smuggling. Conversely, Iran claims that these accusations are merely part of Western schemes against the country.