Amman, April 15 (Petra) – In a demonstration of continuous vigilance and high effectiveness, the General Intelligence Department (GID) thwarted plans aimed at undermining national security and inciting chaos within the kingdom. The GID announced in a statement that it had arrested 16 individuals involved in the plots, which had been under meticulous surveillance by the department since 2021.

Military and security experts, speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), indicated that the statement by the GID, which revealed the thwarting of schemes aimed at jeopardizing national security, reflects a systematic effort, not just a fleeting response. They condemned these criminal acts, which aim to destabilize the nation and disrupt its development.

They emphasized that Jordan will remain strong and resilient against conspiracies, thanks to the awareness of its people, the wisdom of its leadership, and the vigilance of its armed forces and security services. These services are a source of pride and have always been instrumental in building the nation, striking decisively against any conspirator.

Minister of Government Communication and government spokesman Mohammad Momani, in a statement on Tuesday evening, revealed details of the foiled plots, which involved four main cases: the manufacturing of short-range missiles with a range of 3-5 km, possession of explosives and automatic weapons, concealing a ready-to-use missile, a project to produce drones, and the recruitment and training of individuals both within the kingdom and abroad.

Mohammad Daoudieh, head of the National Democratic Dialogue Association, congratulated His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and the Director of General Intelligence on the significant achievement of arresting four misguided cells that intended harm to the country. He thanked God for protecting Jordan from these threats.

He pointed out that the current situation calls for a thorough and honest review by all parties to enhance the security and stability of the country and to integrate all its political forces into the national political life.

Security and strategic expert Bashir Dajjah noted that the GID's statement began with a weighty and deliberate phrase: "The General Intelligence Directorate thwarted plans aimed at compromising national security and inciting chaos and material sabotage." He explained that this sets the stage for understanding the issue as part of a larger, systematic plan, rather than a mere reactive measure.

Dajjah also observed that the use of the terms "national security, chaos, and material sabotage" was intentional, accurately describing the intended disruption of Jordan's political depth, social stability, and infrastructure.

He added that the surveillance of these plots, from 2021 to 2025, demonstrates a strategic "patience hunting" approach, where intelligence agencies gather evidence while allowing suspects to feel secure before making arrests, which is more effective than swift action.

Dajjah also raised the question of whether the cell's activities were tied to regional developments in 2021, such as the peak of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, increasing Iranian activity in the region, and the Palestinian-Israeli tensions events that could fuel elements perceiving themselves as on a "mission."

He stressed that the use of missiles and drones marks a dangerous shift in tactics, with the threat now being not just basic plots or individual explosions but the manufacturing of missiles and drones, along with the possession of explosives and firearms, and both internal and external training suggesting the involvement of an organized group with financial backing, technology, and logistical support.

Dajjah warned that the missiles and drones could be used to target strategic sites within Jordan, echoing scenarios seen in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Gaza, where factions operate as "states within states."

He also noted the risks of recruitment and training, which pointed to targeted environments, active incitement, and unsealed penetration areas within the kingdom, stressing that recruitment is no longer limited to traditional platforms but also includes the internet, video games, and closed online groups.

Strategic and military expert Jalal Abdul Hadi praised the GID for its vigilance and ability to thwart such plots, stating that these groups, formed in 2021, intended to create chaos by carrying out bombings and striking strategic targets in the kingdom.

He added that the intelligence agencies’ swift action had prevented further damage, underscoring the Kingdom’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its security and stability.

Retired Major General Hisham Khreisat noted that the intelligence community had identified missile targets within Jordan, emphasizing the destructive potential of these missiles, which could lead to substantial casualties and damage to vital infrastructure if deployed.

He also highlighted the importance of the community’s collective awareness in safeguarding national security and the necessity of applying legal measures to prevent any security threats.

Retired Major General Abdullah Hasnat extended his salute to the General Intelligence Directorate and all security services, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring security and stability within the kingdom.

He further underlined the importance of uniting behind the Hashemite leadership to protect Jordan from all external and internal threats.

//Petra// AF

15/04/2025 21:50:31