Jordanian Army downs drones loaded with narcotics coming from Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Jordanian military announced on Tuesday that it had intercepted two drones transporting narcotics from Syria, which has raised concerns over the growing smuggling activities along the border.
According to the official statement from the army, the drones had entered Jordanian territory, but they were downed, and their cargo of crystal methamphetamine was confiscated. The army emphasized its determination to take strong action against any attempts to undermine the country’s security.
Jordanian authorities have observed an alarming trend of drones being utilized to transport drugs, weapons, and explosives. This development has introduced a new dimension to the ongoing drug war, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and is primarily attributed to Iranian-backed militias exerting influence in southern Syria.
Jordan regularly reports seizing amounts of captagon and various types of drugs. The Jordanian army occasionally declares thwarting attempts to smuggle drugs from Syrian territory.
On Sep. 4, the Jordanian authorities announced the shooting down of a drone coming from the Syrian territory.
Arab governments and Western nations have accused Syria of being responsible for the production of the highly addictive and profitable drug, captagon, along with other illicit substances.
They also allege that Syria is involved in coordinating the smuggling of these drugs into the Gulf region, with Jordan serving as a prominent transit route.
Iran claims that the accusations against them are part of a bigger plot by Western powers to weaken Iran.
Jordanian officials have engaged in discussions with senior Syrian officials in an attempt to address the issue of smuggling networks operated by Iran. However, these talks have reached an impasse due to the Syrian government’s inability to establish control and enforce law and order in the southern region, which remains plagued by lawlessness.