Jordan’s King calls on Arab states to confront drug smuggling
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Abdullah II bin al-Hussein, King of Jordan, said on Thursday Arab states should confront what he called Iranian-linked armed groups from smuggling arms and drugs in southern Syria.
This came during his speech in the Arab summit in Bahrain where he added that those armed groups commit crimes including smuggling drugs and arms.
“We should confront armed militant groups who commit crimes above the law, especially smuggling drugs and arms which is what Jordan has been thwarting for years now,” he said.
On Wednesday, Reuters cited sources as saying that Jordan prevented a suspected plan led by Iran to smuggle weapons into the country to support groups opposed to the ruling monarchy and carry out acts of sabotage.
According to the sources. the weapons were sent by Iranian-backed militias in Syria to a cell of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan with ties to the military wing of Hamas.
Jordan has frequently stated its determination in fighting drugs coming to its territory from Syria and has also targeted drug smugglers in Syrian territory several times as authorities frequently said that drug and arms smuggling from Syria undermines its national security.