Amman, Mar. 9 (Petra) – As regional military tensions turn the skies into a high-altitude minefield, Jordanian security experts and officials are issuing an urgent warning: the metallic debris falling from intercepted missiles and drones are not mere scraps, but "timed bombs" that pose a lethal threat to anyone nearby.

Military research indicates that intercepted missiles do not simply vaporize in the atmosphere. Instead, they fragment into jagged pieces – some weighing dozens of kilograms – that plummet at terminal velocity, turning into high-speed projectiles upon impact.

The Science of Debris
Security experts highlight a critical technical risk: between 10% and 30% of components in certain missile systems remain hazardous after hitting the ground. This danger stems from:

– Residual Explosives: Warheads or boosters that did not fully detonate.
– Backup Firing Systems: Secondary triggers that can be activated by movement or touch.
Toxic Propellants: Highly flammable or corrosive rocket fuel remains.

"Curiosity Can Be Fatal"
Strategic expert Bashir Al-Da’aja emphasized that public awareness is now the "first line of defense." He warned that "curiosity-driven" behaviors – such as approaching fallen objects to touch, move, or film them from a close distance – can turn a non-lethal event into a tragedy.

"We have seen numerous incidents in conflict zones where debris exploded unexpectedly when handled," Al-Da’aja stated. He noted that pieces weighing 20 to 30 kilograms falling from high altitudes can cause devastating damage to buildings, vehicles, and individuals even without exploding.

Retired Major General Mahmoud Ardissat echoed these concerns, advising citizens to remain indoors during active aerial escalations. "Some missiles fall without exploding, which makes them even more volatile. They are often contaminated with explosive residue that can cause permanent disability or death if disturbed," he warned.

Public Security Response
Colonel Amer Al-Sartawi, spokesperson for the Public Security Directorate, reported on Saturday that civil defense and police teams have already responded to 207 reports of fallen drones and missile fragments across various governorates.

While most debris landed in open areas, some struck residential zones, resulting in 14 injuries, most of which were classified as minor.

Official Safety Protocol
The Public Security Directorate has re-issued a strict safety directive for all residents:
1. Do Not Approach: Maintain a safe distance from any foreign object or metallic fragment.
2. Report Immediately: Call the emergency number 911 to provide a precise location.
3. Avoid Crowding: Gathering at impact sites complicates the work of specialized disposal teams and increases the risk of mass casualties if a secondary explosion occurs.
4. Verify Information: Rely solely on official military and government sources to avoid the spread of panic-inducing rumors.

//Petra// AA

09/03/2026 18:29:09