Jordan’s security services have arrested 16 individuals accused of planning attacks using rockets and drones inside the country. The General Intelligence Department said the suspects had been under surveillance since 2021 and were allegedly plotting to target national security and cause chaos.
The suspects were reportedly involved in possessing explosives and automatic weapons, making rockets, hiding a ready-to-launch rocket, working on a drone manufacturing project, and training individuals both in Jordan and abroad.
Jordan’s government spokesman told state media that the suspects were linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, though the group denied any involvement.
Communications Minister Mohammed al-Momani said that the 16 suspects were divided into four groups with specific tasks. The first group, arrested in 2023, handled explosives like TNT and C4, as well as smuggled automatic weapons. One member of this group is accused of hiding a Katyusha rocket in the Marj al-Hamam neighborhood of Amman. This rocket had a range of 3 to 5 kilometers, suggesting the suspects planned to target locations in Jordan.
The second group, arrested in February, was reportedly manufacturing short-range rockets and storing them in warehouses in Amman and Zarqa. They are said to have received training and funding from foreign sources.
The third group, a four-member team, was working on a project to manufacture drones, allegedly with external support. The fourth group, with five members, focused on recruiting people for illegal security training.
All 16 suspects are facing charges under Jordan’s Anti-Terrorism law and have been referred to the State Security Court.
Later, state television aired what it said were confessions from eight of the suspects, six of whom claimed membership in the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the Brotherhood strongly rejected the accusations and denied any connection to the plot. The group emphasized its commitment to peaceful political action.
Jordanian officials have previously accused the Brotherhood of fueling pro-Hamas protests, which they say aim to destabilize the kingdom. More than half of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian origin, especially since the start of the Gaza war in 2023.
Several suspects reportedly traveled to Lebanon to meet with a person overseeing the attacks. Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, expressed willingness to cooperate with Jordan in addressing potential threats, according to Petra news agency.
