Jordan foils plot involving rockets and drones

AMMAN - Jordan said on Tuesday it had arrested 16 people, thwarting a plot that threatened national security, involving rockets, explosives and a factory to make drones.

A security source said the suspects were connected to the Palestinian militant movement Hamas. The group, which has been at war with neighbouring Israel since October 2023, has been accused of instigating anti-government street protests in Jordan, which has a large Palestinian population.

The authorities said at least one rocket was ready to be launched in the case, which had been under surveillance by security forces since 2021. A drone factory was also found, according to a statement by the General Intelligence Department released on state media.

"The plot aimed at harming national security, sowing chaos and causing material destruction inside the kingdom," the statement said.

Over the past year, Jordan has said it has foiled attempts to smuggle weapons by infiltrators linked to pro-Iranian militias in Syria.