Amman, Oct. 5 (Petra) – True to its enduring character, Jordan has consistently shared the pain and challenges facing the Arab and Islamic nations.

It has never stood idly by as events unfold in the region; rather, it has consistently fulfilled its pan-Arab duty toward its brethren, sparing no effort to stand by them in times of adversity, alleviate their suffering, and protect them from harm and injustice.

The Jordanian Armed Forces the Arab Army have always been a steadfast pillar of support for the Arab nation. Their participation in the October War of 1973 marked a pivotal and glorious milestone in the history of the Arab struggle and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

This involvement played a crucial role in confronting Israeli forces, thwarting their plans and preventing the success of their operations on Syrian soil at the time.

The 40th Armored Brigade distinguished itself through its combat record on Palestinian soil, forging a glorious legacy that has endured across generations.

During the October War of 1973, the brigade was deployed to the Golan Heights, where it fought alongside the Iraqi Salah al-Din forces.

It succeeded in repelling the Israeli offensive along the Daraa-Damascus axis, suffering 23 fatalities among officers and enlisted personnel and 50 wounded, while destroying 25 tanks and various other military vehicles.

As soon as military operations commenced on October 6, 1973, between Egypt and Syria on one side and Israeli forces on the other, Jordan placed its armed forces on high alert.

The forces demonstrated extraordinary sacrifice and heroism, setting an example of joint Arab military cooperation in the defence of Arab lands.

His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, may God rest his soul, ordered the deployment of the Jordanian Army's most powerful armored unit, the 40th Armored Brigade.

Commanded by Brig. Gen. Staff Khaled Hajhoj Majali, one of Jordan's most distinguished and courageous commanders, the brigade moved to the front less than three hours after receiving the order for the historic mission.

Orders were issued for all units and formations to take up positions in accordance with the established defense plan, with Jordanian forces tasked with preventing any Israeli breakthrough. These measures effectively engaged and distracted Israeli forces.

Given the strategic importance of the Jordanian front and its proximity to Israel, Israel was compelled to keep a significant portion of its troops in reserve in anticipation of a possible escalation along the Jordanian border.

Although Jordan had not been informed of the war before it began, the 40th Armored Brigade was subsequently deployed to the Syrian front, completing its arrival on October 13, 1973.

It was placed under the command of the Iraqi Armored Division, which had arrived two days earlier, and took up a position on the division's left flank.

A counterattack was planned against Israeli forces in the sector encompassing Sa'sa', Tal Antar, Jubata al-Khashab, and Khan Arnabah. The offensive was launched at dawn on October 16, 1973, forcing Israeli forces to retreat 10 kilometers.

The 40th Armored Brigade confronted the enemy fiercely, engaging in a rare, tenacious and relentless battle.

The brigade was distinguished by acts of individual heroism and immense sacrifice as its troops faced enemy tanks, seeking martyrdom and writing, through their sacrifice and blood, chapters of glory, honour and pride.

History records the Jordanian Army's valour in defending Arab land and its willingness to embrace martyrdom for the sake of God and the dignity of its Arab brethren. It records the significant advance of Jordanian units, which succeeded in capturing several positions.

During this advance, officers and soldiers were killed or wounded, and several military vehicles were hit.

A radio transmission between Israeli soldiers and their officers was intercepted, in which they reportedly said: "Stop the advance of the Jordanian 40th Armored Brigade; it is advancing toward us and knows no retreat."

Although Jordan's participation in the 1973 war was limited in scale, it was positive and effective at the strategic, operational and morale levels. Jordanian forces engaged part of the Israeli military along the Jordanian front, preventing those troops from being redeployed to reinforce the Syrian and Egyptian fronts.

They prevented Israeli forces from outflanking the Syrian left wing by securing the Daraa-Damascus axis and protecting that flank.

Furthermore, alongside Iraqi forces, Jordanian troops helped pin down Israeli forces in the Golan Heights, halting their offensive operations and forcing them into a defensive posture.

The deployment of the 40th Armoured Brigade at a critical juncture when the route to Damascus was open to Israeli forces effectively blocked their advance.

These heroic accounts and immense sacrifices bear witness to the valor of the Arab Army (Al-Jaish Al-Arabi). Across the nation, Jordan's martyrs form a magnificent mosaic that history remembers with pride and honor.

The Arab Army continues to play a robust and steadfast role in defending the homeland's borders, land and people, while contributing to development, counterterrorism and crisis management.

In doing so, it continues to uphold the pillars of renaissance, progress and achievement under the Hashemite leadership.

//Petra// AK

05/10/2026 20:59:12